Customer Ratings & Reviews

On her latest recording, Brazil’s Tania Maria serves up another batch of get-under-your-skin tunes, infectiously joyous vocals and warm, funky piano. She effortlessly blends bossa nova, samba, jazz and funk into a softly swinging collection of mostly up-tempo numbers, with a couple of intimate and affecting ballads tossed into the mix. The arrangements are elegant and simple, and never get in the way of the groove that Maria lays down. Although “Canto” follows on the heels of her 2011 release, “Tempo,” the tracks here were actually recorded back in 2005 and 2008. It’s not clear why this music wasn’t released at that time, but better late than never. Rhythmically compelling and emotionally affecting, this is music to fit any mood, whether you’re in high spirits or need them raised up.