Tapping into Brazilian music takes a certain understated finesse on the part of any vocalist.
The music is all about the subtle, swaying seduction of the listener, nothing too forceful or urgent to distract you from the small but distinct pleasures. In the hands of the right interpreter, the samba and bossa nova rhythms and sultry, breezy atmosphere can become the pure art of musical restraint.
New York-based singer and arranger Margret has a voice that's made to explore this particular style, a sandy-textured wisp of a vocal that's like gentle streams of reflected light diffusing a darkened room with a warm glow.
Com Você -- meaning "with you" -- is the sensuous second album from Margret arriving May 11 (SSC1241 Sunnyside ), as well as the name of her backing band. The mood is refined throughout the album's nine tracks as the Polish born singer and saxophonist Stan Gillian keep things fresh and original, breathing new life into versions of "Wicked Game" (yes, the Chris Isaak hit -- with a gypsy flair), the classic "Call Me" and even an inspired new take on Rufus Wainwright's "Peach Trees." Of course there are also the requisite Brazilian standards, handled with a delicate touch and made even more appealing with Margret's airy, wistful Portuguese vocals adding an exotic touch. Recommended.
Margret - "Call Me" (from the album Com Você)
Margret - "Wicked Game" (from the album Com Você)
