Like his late father
Dorival Caymmi,
Dori Caymmi is someone who knows the value of subtlety.
Caymmi's gently introspective pop and pop-jazz is never a shout, but an articulate, highly effective whisper. The Brazilian singer/acoustic guitarist/composer joined
Quincy Jones' Qwest roster with
Brazilian Serenata, a seductive, caressing gem illustrating just how charismatic he can be.
Caymmi isn't a bossa nova artist per se, but like
Joao Gilberto and other bossa icons, he is someone who has obviously learned a lot from American jazz as well as the rich history of the Brazilian samba. "Flower of Bahia," "Historia Antigua," "The Colors of Joy" and other offerings leave no doubt that he has long since mastered the samba rhythm completely. Whether singing in English or Portuguese,
Caymmi never fails to command attention on this magnificent CD. ~ Alex Henderson