The followup CD to Cressman’s “Homenagem Brasileira” showcases Brazilian jazz at its best, played by a mature ensemble that has been celebrating this music in concerts and festivals for the past 7 years. “Brasil-Sempre no Coração” includes compositions from Edu Lobo, Hermeto Pascoal, Baden Powell, Filó Machado, Jobim, and others, as well as a tribute to the great vocalist Elis Regina.
In the words of the great keyboardist/musicologist Jovino Santos Neto:
" Sandy Cressman's beautiful interpretation of the music of my country has made my ears and my heart very happy. After decades of listening to countless American singers rehash the same 5 or 6 tunes over and over, it is indeed a breath of fresh air to hear someone who is not afraid to try something new. Sandy's voice has matured into a confident and warm tone, and her Portuguese is impeccable. Her choice of material does justice to the immense richness of the Brazilian music spectrum, from Jobim to Filó, from Baden to Gil, Aécio to Hermeto, Johnny Alfo to Edu Lobo, Chico to Dori...I challenge anyone to find a more versatile and rich repertoire in today's crop of singers. The point, however, is not the breadth of the music, but the depth with which Sandy reaches down into the essence and the meaning of each tune. Even those listeners who cannot understand the lyrics will be moved by the sensuous sound of the words, vibrations that capture the spirit of a country best defined by its music. Congratulations to Sandy Cressman for establishing a new standard in Brazilian music. I hope that every note from this excellent record will resonate in your hearts like it has in mine.” |
