A Day In New York

坂本龍一とモレレンバウム夫妻が、ボサノヴァの神様アントニオ・カルロス・ジョビンのトリビュート・アルバム『Casa』に続く第2弾！　前作では、全世界各国で賞賛の嵐をまき起こしたが、今作ではジョビン以外のブラジル音楽も演奏されている。

A Day in New York, recorded at the end of a U.S. tour the group made in 2002 in support of the Casa release is, simply, Morelenbaum Squared's live set performed -- live -- in a New York studio. The emphasis, of course, is on songs by Antonio Carlos Jobim, although Caetano Veloso, Joao Gilberto, and even Ryuichi Sakamoto and Paula Morelenbaum get a look in. The music is exquisite, gently understated, and shimmering like a heat mirage. Morelenbaum is a more than capable singer, and often a delight here (as on "Fotografia"), while Sakamoto is the real revelation of the album. He blends in so perfectly it's hard to believe he's not Brazilian; he's deft in rhythmic support, and never pushes too much on his solos. Cellist Jacques Morelenbaum is the veteran, but he keeps a sense of discovery in his playing, and the inclusion of the bowed instrument offers an almost chamber music-feel to this music, bringing another dimension to the sound. The three are the focal points, but kudos too, to the guitarist and drummer, who keep in the background, but offer vital support. It's remarkable just how familiar many of these songs are; not merely the obvious "Desafinado" and "Chega De Saudade," but "Samba De Aviao" and "Fotografia." In a way, it's like chancing upon an old friend after many years, and finding a new richness. A joy to the ear.

A Day in New York, recorded at the end of a U.S. tour the group made in 2002 in support of the Casa release is, simply, Morelenbaum Squared's live set performed -- live -- in a New York studio. The emphasis, of course, is on songs by Antonio Carlos Jobim, although Caetano Veloso, Joao Gilberto, and even Ryuichi Sakamoto and Paula Morelenbaum get a look in. The music is exquisite, gently understated, and shimmering like a heat mirage. Morelenbaum is a more than capable singer, and often a delight here (as on "Fotografia"), while Sakamoto is the real revelation of the album. He blends in so perfectly it's hard to believe he's not Brazilian; he's deft in rhythmic support, and never pushes too much on his solos. Cellist Jacques Morelenbaum is the veteran, but he keeps a sense of discovery in his playing, and the inclusion of the bowed instrument offers an almost chamber music-feel to this music, bringing another dimension to the sound. The three are the focal points, but kudos too, to the guitarist and drummer, who keep in the background, but offer vital support. It's remarkable just how familiar many of these songs are; not merely the obvious "Desafinado" and "Chega De Saudade," but "Samba De Aviao" and "Fotografia." In a way, it's like chancing upon an old friend after many years, and finding a new richness. A joy to the ear. ~ Chris Nickson

アントニオ・カルロス・ジョビンに捧げられた『CASA』に続く、坂本龍一のユニットによる第2弾。NYに1日だけ集って、ジョビンの名曲を中心に演奏／録音されたものを収録。前作も素晴らしかったが、その後のワールド・ツアーでさらに磨かれたのか、洗練の極みといった気品あるサウンドを堪能することができる。ため息が出るほどに美しくエレガント、〈優しさを学ぶ人〉ジョビンの精神は確実にこの一枚に継承されている。
bounce (C)ダイサク・ジョビン