Seduzir
Funny Baby Face, 2024
8/10
A Tokyo native with a penchant for Brazilian sounds, the vocalist Yuko Ito brings us a 4th album where jazz standards and Latin classics are illuminated.
“Caxangá” opens the listen with Romero Lubambo’s flowing guitar and Alxandre Kautz’s skilled drums complementing Ito’s expressive pipes, and “Eu Sei Que Vou Te Amar” follows with Helio Alves’ intimate piano that suits the poetic singing from Ito.
Halfway through, “Besamé Mucho” allows for Edward Perez’s frisky bass to shine in the lively climate, while “O Ronco Da Cúica” is a rhythmic album highlight that benefits from Vanessa Falabella’s animated backing vocals.
Deeper into the record, “Waltz For Debby” radiates a distinct dreaminess via the emotive singing and warm instrumentation, and “You And The Night And The Music” exits with meticulous bass plucking that builds into a firm climate thanks to Steve Wilson’s bright sax and, of course, Ito’s flawless vocals.
A body of work that’s both sophisticated and adventurous, pop, rock, R&B, gospel and free jazz aren’t off limits across the versatile and original landscape.
Travels well with: Mariah Parker- Windows Through Time; Tamuz Nissim- While Birds Fly