Rio De Janeiro
Yellow Hope, 2024
8/10
The Brazilian singer and pianist Paula Maya is in excellent company for these 6 originals and Jobim cover, where much culture enters the precise textures.
“Rosalie” starts the listen with Fernando Monteiro’s flowing guitar and Tamila Nikazm’s well timed backing vocals for the cultured opener, and “Vivo Sonhando” follows with Nema Antunes’ elegant bass and André Siqueira’s cozy percussion populating the breezy climate.
In the middle, “Iemanjá (Flores Do Mar)” showcases Maya’s graceful piano and warm signing via the melodic textures, while “Mulher” benefits much from Erick Vieira’s precise bass and dreamy flute courtesy of Monica Avila for the album’s best.
The final track, '“Água Sagrada”, exits with a rich and dynamic performance, where soaring vocals and agile drumming thanks to Téo Lima won’t go unnoticed.
Maya made her recording debut in 1995, and her contributions to popularizing Brazilian music in America are many. This 12th album is yet another first rate display of worldly jazz, and is sure to be as globally appreciated as anything she’s done.
Travels well with: Livio Almeida- Brasilia Sessions; Paul Kendall- My Shining Hour