Nicola Conte apresenta Rosalia de Souza
Garota Moderna

THE REVIEW

Tradition and Modernity

I bought this CD on a whim, enticed to purchase it solely by the name Nicola Conte, a well-known and appreciated DJ-arranger-Jazzist. The name Rosalia de Souza was almost unknown to me. However, it turned out well for me; despite the fact that purchases made on a whim can sometimes prove to be true duds, let's say this time it certainly turned out well. We are looking at an excellent record from any perspective, whether to critique or simply to listen to. The music is a remarkable meeting or, more properly, a fusion; between electronic, Drum & Bass, Downtempo, Jazz, and Bossanova. Rosalia de Souza, originally from Rio de Janeiro, is an excellent Bossa singer who has made Italy her new adoptive home since the late '80s and began her professional journey by collaborating with Italian artists from Ishtar and Schema Records. Nicola Conte is a proponent of a "new" experimentalism that mixes the poetic, elegance, and sophistication of jazz with electronic rhythms, favoring Downtempo and Drum & Bass. What emerges from this collaboration is the reinterpretation of some Bossa classics from the '60s, re-read and re-played in a more modern way thanks to the arrangements and the bases created ad hoc by the talented DJ from Bari. We also find original tracks by the two main artists of the CD that absolutely stand alongside the pieces of the Brazilian tradition.

Although it might seem almost an exercise in style, I can assure you that we are dealing with a more than successful and pleasant album with atmospheres sometimes relaxed, sometimes lively, its strength lying in the jazz-bossa canvas on which the entire CD moves. Rosalia de Souza's voice is beautiful in its simplicity and grace. A warm and soft voice sounds like a lullaby but also becomes compelling and integrates perfectly, becoming an integral part of the compositions that are absolutely more Brazilian. It gives the latter the spirit and attitude that, I think, only someone who is Brazilian can have. And if that's not enough for you, I can say that Bossa itself is sort of impoverished, less technical jazz, fundamentally (similar to Argentine tango) music that deals with sad themes but in the sunlight and the beach of Ipanema, so the result is inevitably something interesting and to be discovered. Sadness and happiness seek each other, complete each other, meet and flee. The sun and the sea become part of the sadness, but also weaken it just by being there. And then there are more musical references of undeniable significance, thanks also to the performance of the excellent jazz musicians involved who play and allow themselves to be played by Nicola Conte’s mastery, who gains in style and emerges as an Art Director worthy of a statute.

Ultimately, a beautiful album, highly recommended, for those who love traditions and also for those who love newness. For those who love aperitifs but also those who enjoy a meal from appetizer to coffee. For those who like jazz and those who love Brazilian music, and especially for those who don't turn up their noses at the old when brought to the surface and cleaned becomes new and modern and offers excellent points to ponder.