Tag: Ana Caram

Title: Ana Caram – Rio After Dark (1989) [Reissue 2002]
Genre: Jazz
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Ana Caram, a São Paulo-born composer, vocalist, and guitarist, is known for her delicate, vibrato-less soprano and versatile delivery, excelling in both melodic ballads and lively sambas. Her debut U.S. album, Rio After Dark (1989, Chesky Records), evokes the timeless sound of 1962 bossa nova, as if untouched since “Desafinado.” A protégé of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Caram skillfully applies bossa nova styling to contemporary songs like Djavan’s works and Carole King’s “You’ve Got a Friend.” Her slightly off-pitch vocals, typical of seductive Brazilian singers, add charm, complemented by her João Gilberto-inspired guitar rhythms. Caram contributes original tracks like “Renovação” and “Rainbow,” rooted in classic bossa nova. Jobim guests on piano and vocals for “Meditation” and “Anos Dourados,” with his groans captured in Chesky’s meticulous recording. Paquito D’Rivera’s clarinet shines on “O Que Vier Eu Traço,” and his alto sax, echoing Stan Getz, elevates “La Cumbia.” Steve Sacks’ alto flute and subtle percussion by Carlos Alberto de Oliveira and Café enhance the album’s spare, low-key texture. The SACD’s high-fidelity production appeals to purist bossa nova fans, offering a pristine listening experience. Rio After Dark showcases Caram’s artistry, blending tradition with fresh interpretations, making it a standout in the genre.

hraudio | allmusic | discogs

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Title: Ana Caram – Hollywood Rio (2004)
Genre: Jazz
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

A superior Brazilian jazz singer, Ana Caram takes a slight detour on this SACD, stretching her repertoire while mostly still performing in a style influenced by bossa nova. One does not get to hear such songs as “I’m Getting Sentimental Over You,” “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head,” “Smile,” and “As Time Goes By” in a bossa nova setting that often. Also unusual is that Michel Freidenson plays all of the instruments other than the reeds (which are performed by Lawrence Feldman), and most of his electronic instruments sound real enough not to be an issue. The focus throughout is on Caram’s lovely voice and she excels on this material, showing that it really is not what you sing but how you sing it. Recommended.

hraudio | allmusic | discogs

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Title: Ana Caram – Blue Bossa (2001)
Genre: Jazz, Bossa Nova
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Ana Caram is an excellent singer and guitarist of Brazilian music, but this set lacks any real surprises. She only plays guitar on one song, sticking to singing while being backed by a rhythm section and the saxophones of Paulo Levi. The selections all date from the 1960s (other than her original “Pura Luz”) and Caram is mostly cast in the role of Astrud Gilberto, performing Jobim tunes (including “Desafinado,” “Corcovado,” and “Triste”) and other tunes from the era, including “Blue Bossa,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” and Baden Powell’s “So Por Amor.” The results are pleasant but very predictable, with no real chances being taken nor any fresh light shone on the veteran warhorses.

hraudio | allmusic | discogs

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