Paulinho Pedra Azul Jardim Da Fantasia CD - Import

Paulinho Pedra Azul is a talented composer, not much influenced by the electronic obsession in Brazilian popular music. He preferred to dedicate this album to a repertory of sad/romantic songs. "Ave Cantadeira" is a sorrowful cançao where the worst thing is the romantic backing with stereotyped saxes. "Pobre Bichinho" has more personality, keeping the sad tone. "Valsa do Desencanto" attempts a change of pace through the 6/8 time signature, but romanticism is still the central role. The same time signature is kept in "Voarás," which brings the melody trademark of Paulinho and the beautiful and delicate singing of Diana Pequeno's. "Nascente" re-creates the prog rock atmosphere of Som Imaginário in the intro. "Jequitinhonha" is a welcomed track with its swinging percussion providing the required change of mood. "Cantar" (Godofredo Guedes), with its wonderfully lyrical melody, is a real find on the album, highlighted by the excellent and genuine regional rendition. "Jardim da Fantasia" is another great melodic moment, this time written by Paulinho himself. The album is predominantly doleful/romantic, where some arrangements are quite emotionally manipulative, but its melodic qualities predominate positively in the final balance. ~ Alvaro Neder