Kenny Rankin - Here in my Heart (1997)

Kenny Rankin's 1995 Private Music debut Professional Dreamer perfectly captured the essence of a career-spanning 30 years, writing and singing romantic pop classics. This follow-up collection, a decidedly South American-flavored jaunt, maintains the simple production of that recording. It's an eclectic, easily percussive set featuring songs by Brazilian legends Ivan Lins (with English lyrics by Brock Walsh) and Antonio Carlos Jobim, as well as a romantic take on the Beatles' classic "I've Just Seen a Face." Rankin himself wrote the sweet and graceful "Lover's Touch," and co-wrote the whimsical title track with famed songwriter Paul Williams. Recorded principally in Rio De Janeiro, Here in My Heart features the elegant acoustic guitarisma and arrangement expertise of another Brazilian icon, Oscar Castro-Neves, as well as jazzy performances by saxman Michael Brecker, Don Grusin, and Ernie Watts and guitarist Ricardo Silveira. Also on hand are singers Rosa Passos (who sings in Portuguese as she trades verses with Rankin on her elegant composition "Those Eyes") and Bebel Gilberto (daughter of João Gilberto). Rankin's adult daughters Gena and Chanda add spirited backing vocals to the album's opener, a festive samba reading of "Come Rain or Come Shine~Here in My Heart Review by Jonathan Widran