Personnel:
Clara Moreno (vcl), Celso Fonseca (vcl, g), Joyce Moreno, Diego Figueiredo (g), Rodolfo Stroeter (b, g), Tutty Moreno (d, perc), Ricardo Mosca (perc)
Reference: FARO 115 CD
Bar code: 5060088041017
‘Meu Samba Torto’ features a stellar line-up of Brazilian musicians including Clara’s mother, the legendary Brazilian singer-songwriter Joyce, and the celebrated songwriter and guitarist Celso Fonseca. ‘Meu Samba Torto’ features two new compositions written especially for Clara by Joyce (‘Sabe Quem’), & Celso Fonseca (‘Litorânea’). There are also interpretations of classic bossa nova tracks such as 'Moça Flor', originally recorded by the Tamba Trio, 'Vem Morena Vem', from Jorge Ben's debut album, and 'Morena Boca de Ouro', made famous by João Gilberto. ‘Meu Samba Torto’ also features a version of ‘Mon Manege a Moi’, originally recorded by the French singer Edith Piaf, and a beautiful cover of the American jazz standard ‘Tenderly’.
Clara Moreno: “In Brazil we call a person from Rio de Janeiro a ‘Carioca’, and on this album I have tried to share this feeling of what it is like to be a ‘Carioca’ with the listener. I took inspiration from 60s bossa nova – the cornerstone of modern Brazilian music - and created a contemporary view of Brazilian music that fans all over the world can enjoy. I wanted to create a warm, intimate vibe the listener can connect with, so they can get a sense of what it is like to be a ‘Carioca’.”
"Clara Moreno is no stranger to the bossa nova genre, so it comes as no surprise that she once again shines on this mellow, summery and breezy collection of songs. From the opening notes of "Litorânea" that also features Celso Fonseca, Moreno's delicate delivery complements the rather intricate guitar work perfectly. Meanwhile, the inviting and infectious "Sabe Quem?" will have most swaying their hips if not their bodies. The artist exudes in the material and well she should, for there is rarely a wrong turn during the early portion of the album, even during the softer, soothing "Sei La." Yet as strong as these songs are, the record reaches another level with the tender, fragile lullaby "Moca Flor" that has a dreamy, hypnotic and retro quality to it while "Bahia com H" sounds as if it's a distant cousin of Feist's "Mushaboom." However, things hit a bit of a wall during the rather average "Mon Manege a Moi" as Moreno resembles some Parisian café chanteuse. But she atones for this effort with the haunting and powerful jazzy number "Copacabana" and the definitive title track which seems to best describe the album. The hushed, romantic and sensual "Ela Vai Pro Mar" is another charming affair as is the closing and aptly titled "Tenderly."
Jason MacNeil -All Music Guide
