Karrin Allyson: A Kiss For Brazil

Singer who has covered Coltrane, Joni Mitchell and Rodgers & Hammerstein turns her full attention to the bossa nova

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On her well-received albums – 17 so far – Kansas-born Karrin Allyson has proved to be equally at home interpreting jazz, pop and songbook standards. In 2001 she recorded Ballads – Remembering John Coltrane with Steve Wilson and Bob Berg. Wild For You in 2004 saluted Joni Mitchell, Cat Stevens, Carole King and Carly Simon. Many A New Day in 2015 with Kenny Barron is a tribute to Rodgers and Hammerstein. All three were Grammy nominated.

She is also a devotee of Brazilian music and A Kiss For Brazil is the next chapter in her series of love letters to the infectious rhythm and harmony of the bossa nova. It all began back in 1999 with From Paris To Rio which was followed in 2008 with her Grammy nominated Imagina: Songs Of Brazil. This latest release completes a trilogy of albums devoted to a genre that never dates.

She performs an imaginative repertoire by notable composers Antonio Carlos Jobim, Alan and Marilyn Bergman, Luiz Bonfa, Sergio Mendes and Benny Carter. Her diction and intonation are flawless and numbers like The Gift, Manha De Carnaval, So Many Stars and Wave are perfect vehicles for her. Her attention to detail is evinced by the fact she has been coached by Lucia Guimaraes to perfect an authentic Portuguese accent.

Hats off also to her sympathetic accompanists, especially accordionist Vitor Gonçalves, who makes memorable contributions to The Gift and So Many Stars. She is joined by Rosa Passos whose rich contralto adds an earthy, soulful quality to Month Of March and O Grande Amor. The intimate setting of Only Trust Your Heart by Benny Carter and Sammy Kahn represents a delightful change of pace. She accompanies herself on piano with just Harvie S on bass for company.

Discography
(1) Flor De Lis; (2) Month Of March; (1) The Gift; (2) O Grande Amor: (1) Antigua; The Island; Manha De Carnaval; So Many Stars; Wave; (3) Only Trust Your Heart (46.46)
(1) Allyson (v, p); Vitor Gonçalves (elp, acc, p); Yotam Silberstein (elg); Harvie S (b); Rafael Barata (d). New Jersey, 22, 25 2023.
(2) as (1) add Rosa Passos (p, elg).
(3) as (1) omit Gonçalves, Silberstein, Barata.
Origin Records 82895