Morelenbaum²/Sakamoto

The Profile

Morelenbaum²/Sakamoto is the trio of Jaques Morelenbaum (cello/arranger), Paula Morelenbaum (voice), and Ryuichi Sakamoto (piano). They are known for refined, chamber-like interpretations of Antonio Carlos Jobim, including the album Casa recorded in Jobim’s Rio de Janeiro home, followed by A Day in New York.

Casa was recorded over five days at the Jobim family home in Rio, using the Maestro’s piano, with sparse arrangements for voice (Paula Morelenbaum), cello (Jaques Morelenbaum), and piano (Ryuichi Sakamoto). The selection deliberately avoids overplayed evergreens, exploring pieces like "As Praias Desertas", "Inútil Paisagem", "Vivo Sonhando", and "Bonita", and includes a standout duet "Imagina" with Ed Motta. Reviewers compare the approach to Debussy/Schumann, emphasizing restraint and lyrical clarity. Associated Sakamoto works discussed include Heartbeat (1991)—a multilingual, genre-spanning set featuring David Sylvian, John Lurie, Youssou N’Dour, and Arto Lindsay—and Chasm, which ranges from rap-inflected beats ("Undercooled") and intense electronics ("Coro") to the Sylvian collaboration "World Citizen" and the evocative "Seven Samurai".

Reviews highlight Casa as an intimate, chamber-like tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim, recorded in his Rio home with piano, cello and voice. The selection avoids predictable evergreens, aiming for a Debussy/Schumann-like rigor. Heartbeat (1991) is praised for multilingual, genre-hopping collaborations (including David Sylvian). Chasm presents Sakamoto’s many facets, from rap-inflected beats to ambient minimalism, with standout moments like World Citizen and Seven Samurai.