Although trumpeter
Terence Blanchard gets first billing on this recording, it is very much a joint effort with singer-composer
Ivan Lins. Not only are all 13 songs by
Lins but he sings on all but the three instrumentals although sometimes just wordlessly in the background.
Blanchard often harmonizes with
Lins' voice, creating a melancholy and dreamy atmosphere. Most selections feature
Blanchard's regular rhythm section of the time, augmented by
Paulinho Da Costa's percussion and occasionally
Oscar Castro-Neves' acoustic guitar. This CD, which is full of haunting ballads along with a few more jubilant numbers, serves as a superior introduction to
Lins' music for jazz fans who might only be familiar with his "Love Dance." ~ Scott Yanow