Album Review of
Albare Plays Jobim: A Tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim

Written by Joe Ross
March 19, 2020 - 7:54pm EDT
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Jazz guitarist Albare (aka Albert Dadon) was born in Morocco, raised in Israel and France, and now lives in Melbourne, Australia. With more than four decades of experience, Albare is known for his eclectic playing that incorporates elements of rock, funk and world music. While he has varied tastes and abilities, this tribute album to Antonio Carlos Jobim (Albare’s 12th album overall) presents Latin music in a contemporary, relaxed setting.  Piano, string arrangement and conductor Joe Chindamo gives the entire album a light, airy, romantic feeling. Antonio Sanchez (drums) and Ricardo “Ricky” Rodriguez (bass) round out the ensemble. Jobim once said his lyrical music comes from nature. It’s urbane, sophisticated and enchanting. Albare brings soul and emotion to the works he’s chosen to cover by giving each piece its own living, breathing character. Standards like “Corcovado,” “Desafinado” and “Wave” are given fresh perspectives. “Double Rainbow” and “Aguas de Marco” make poignant statements with the guitarist’s improvisation. I was pleased to see the set close with “Brazil” that provides an up-tempo exclamation point to this tastefully rendered project.  (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)