Dionne Warwick - Aquarela Do Brasil (1994)

Bossa nova and other Brazilian musics became hipper than ever in the mid-'90s. Dionne Warwick's 1994 release AQUARELA DO BRASIL, a collection of Brazilian jazz and pop tunes, is an early example of this newfound cachet.

Wisely downplaying the overexposed standards--no "The Girl From Ipanema" here, and even the requisite Antonio Carlos Jobim medley focuses on relative obscurities like "Waters of March"--Warwick sings, in both English and Portuguese, with just the right amount of swing and ease. The gorgeous title track is a sublime highlight, as is an intriguing cover of Juan Tizol and Duke Ellington's massively influential "Caravan." The arrangements are a little fussy at times, but overall, this is one of the best Brazilian crossover discs of its era.

Tracks:

01. Jobim Medley [0:05:53.65]
02. Virou Areia [0:04:15.50]
03. Oh Bahia [0:05:28.70]
04. Piano Na Mangueira [0:02:49.37]
05. Captives Of The Heart [0:04:50.65]
06. Samba Dobrado [0:04:22.28]
07. Heart Of Brazil [0:04:38.05]
08. N' Kosi Sikelel'i - Afrika/So Bashiya Bahlala Ekhaya [0:03:50.72]
09. Brazil (Aquarela Do Brasil) [0:04:01.35]
10. Caravan [0:03:56.35]
11. Flower Of Bahia [0:04:18.58]
12. 10.000 Words [0:04:27.05]