Celso Fonseca Natural CD

This will look like a debut album to most Americans, but it is, in fact, Celso Fonseca's fifth solo effort, not counting his many collaborations and supporting gigs with the likes of Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, and Bebel Gilberto, not to mention such American luminaries as Carlos Santana and jazzman Charles Lloyd. On Natural, Fonseca is not exactly breaking any new ground, but his effortless command of bossa nova's vocal and instrumental conventions and his surehanded leadership of a small but distinguished ensemble combine to produce what is simultaneously one of the most relaxing and most exciting releases of 2003. There are covers of classic tunes by Antonio Carlos Jobim ("She's a Carioca") and Baden Powell ("Consolacao") and a great, shimmering version of the jazz standard "The Night We Called It a Day," but his own compositions are equally fine, especially the lovely "Slow Motion Bossa Nova" and the subtly complex "Teu Sorriso." Natural is one of those rare records that will appeal equally to music snobs and rank amateurs, and to deeply knowledgeable Brazilian music fans and complete newcomers to that country's rich musical tradition. Very highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson

Singer/Songwriter Form Brazil

Recorded at Geleia Studios, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

Personnel: Celso Fonseca (vocals, viola, Fender Rhodes piano, keyboards, percussion); Carlos Esteban Fonseca (vocals, guitar, percussion, programming); Cibelle (vocals); Jessé Sadoc (flugelhorn); Daniel Jobim (piano); Dudu Trentin, Jorjao Barreto (Fender Rhodes piano, keyboards); Sacha Amback (keyboards); Jorge Helder (acoustic bass); Robertinho Silva (drums, percussion); Jorginho Gomes (drums); Alexandre Fonseca, Ramiro Musotto (percussion).

Audio Mixer: Vincent Debast.

Recording information: AR Studios, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil; Geleia Geral Studios, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil; Gorila Mix Studios, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

Unknown Contributor Roles: Walter Costa; Duda Mello; Marcelo Sabóla; Renato Alscher.

Arranger: Carlos Esteban Fonseca.

Personnel: Celso Fonseca (vocals, guitar, percussion, programming); Cibelle (vocals); Jesse Sadock (flugelhorn); Daniel Jobim (piano); Sacha Amback (keyboards); Jorge Heider (acoustic bass); Robertino Silva (drums, percussion); Jorginho Gomes (drums); Ramiro Musotto (percussion).

Uncut (5/03, p.108) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...NATURAL is a pleasant affair of light bossa/samba, laidback in style and chilled-out in performance..."
Mojo (Publisher) (3/03, p.104) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...It sounded wonderful in January, so just imagine how cool it will feel come the summer. Consider this an investment..."