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review uit Jazztimes januari 2010

A Twist of Jobim
Lee Ritenour and various artists

I can not believe I’m writing a review of a more than ten years old CD! As a fan of smooth Brazilian jazz, I was astounded when I first heard this album in December 2009 while on holiday. It has good relaxing music and atmosphere in it. It’s great that Lee Ritenour saw fit to pay tribute to the memory of Antonio Carlos Jobim in this manner. This gives testimony to the fact that Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin have always been in love with Brazilian Jazz and Bossa Nova. He chose some of Jobim's best works (Jobim's music is deceptively simple and at the same time incredibly complex), and brought in great musicians to display these works. "Bonita" is and always has been one of the most evocative songs Jobim ever wrote - here, Dave Grusin is at the top of his game. El DeBarge accompanied by Art Porter on Sax performing "Dindi" really hits you where you live. This is a worthy addition to the music library of anyone who appreciates fine music in this genre. It will always bring a smile to your face, because you are remembering the days of "The Girl From Ipanema." The instrumentals are my favorites, particularly "Stone Flower" (Herbie Hancock steals the show here), "Agua de Beber", "Lamento" and "Mohave". The featured artist (Al Jarreau, Oleta Adams, El DeBarge (vocalists), Herbie Hancock, Paulinho Da Costa, Steve Tavaglione, Eric Marienthal, Alan Pasqua, Ernie Watts, Christian McBride, Yellowjackets, Dave Grusin, Art Porter) seem to be interesting choices. I really enjoyed the interpretations of Al Jarreau and Oleta Adams - she does her best to capture the Bossa Nova groove - on “Girl from Ipanema”, (one of my all time favorites) and “Waters of March” is marvelous! This Cd's makes one realize the strong foundation the old timer artists like Jobim have built for the musicians of today. Jobim's music is truly eternal.