My Universe
My Keter, 2024
9/10
The revered Brazilian and jazz vocalist Maria Puga Lareo is joined by an all star cast for these 10 covers and originals that make for an impressive stateside debut.
Josh Nelson’s elegant piano and Lareo’s gorgeous voice open the listen with the heartfelt “Make Someone Happy”, and “The Song Is You” follows with Mike Valerio’s intricate bass amid the crisp drumming from Christian Euman that suits the expressive singing.
Moving into the middle, Carol Robbins’ harp and Alex Acuna’s stirring percussion guide the hazy “Depois De Tanto Tempo”, while “Cherokee” welcomes a bright mood via Jon Papenbrook’s animated trumpet amid Bob Sheppard’s swift sax and Lareo’s impressive range.
Closer to the end, the rhythmic and dance floor ready “At The End Of The Night” showcases Dan Fornero and Anthony Bonsera Jr.’s trumpets and Ryan Dragon’s trombone that helps make this the album’s best, and “Eu Sei Que Vou Te Amar” exits with a sublime intimacy of gentle harp, warm guitar by Leo Amuedo and Lareo’s touching voice.
An album of swingin’ fun, scatting bouts and even funk and R&B spirit, Lareo pulls off a flawless performance of memorable and romantic song craft.
Travels well with: Rosemary Loar- Coraçāo Vagabundo/Vagabond Heart; CeCe Gable- Love On The Tyrrhenian