ITHAMARA KOORAX
Serenade In Blue (Milestone)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Ithamara Koorax has been one of Brazil's top vocal stars for about a decade, and with her first US release, she promises to be one of the States' top vocal stars for at least the next one.

Performing a mix of material drawn from the standard Brazilian book and a variety of films, Koorax performs in English, Portuguese and French, and communicates the soul of every song in any language. She can sing it straight or bend the tune with an improvisational spirit that's completely natural yet startlingly original.

Koorax is accompanied by a variety of ensembles, including the Brazilian fusion group Azymuth and other artists ranging from keyboardist Eumir Deodato to guitarist Jay Berliner and percussionist Dom Um Romano. No matter who's in support, though, the voice that's out front is totally in charge and totally satisfying.

Ithamara Koorax isn't a new talent, but she's entered a new market and should conquer it with ease. It's high time you found out what the Brazilian fans have known for years.

Track List:

Bonita * Serenade In Blue * Mas Que Nada * Un Homme Et Une Femme * Moon River * Summer Samba * Aranjuez * The Shadow Of Your Smile * Brazil

© 2000 - Shaun Dale