One of the best next-gen voices for Brazil’s New Bossa style returns with a vibrant collection of songs that focus on a warm, acoustic jazz combo sound that sways and pulses with an energy all its own.
We’ve come to expect great things from Rosalia de Souza since early days as a stable singer for many of Schema’s earlier recordings and her third album does not disappoint. ‘D'Improvviso’ also shows the result of de Souza’s growing musical maturity (something she’s hinted at from her very first recording ‘Garota Moderna’) and it really pays off here, especially as she’s framed with a very talented ensemble, including the outstanding trumpet play of Fabrizio Bosso, and the enveloping influence of another Brazilian/Italia – Toco, who’s voice and guitar, arranging and songwriting skills help to bring this album to a higher level.
As usual, Schema’s production cues hit the mark by delivering a ‘live room’ sound for this all-acoustic small group sound. The upright Bass play rings true, and the percussion percolates its Afro-Brazilian rhythms without being buried in a muddled mess. You get the sense of sitting just a short distance from the group as Roslaia de Souza sings.
With three superb recordings as a solo performer, its clear that as an artist, de Souza has created her niche as opposed to finding it. Her music plays to the notions of tradition as seen through a 21st Century prism, and Brazilian music is all that much better for it.
