Bianca Rossini - I've Been Alone (2025)

Best known for her keeping the Brazilian samba tradition up to date, vocalist/composer Bianca Rossini stretches her boundaries on this latest release. Instead of the tried and true sounds of bossa nova, Rossini breaks free and not only sings the entire album in English, but explores the world of pop, old school jazz and even a bit of Nashville. No stretch lines are shown on this Brazilian beauty, either, as she sounds assured and comfortable in the various scenarios.

The team of Ricardo Rito-Luiz Otavio-Peter Roberts/p-key, Peter Roberts/g, Sezin Turkmenoglu/b, Elberton Paixo/dr, mix and match with string arrangements from Roberts, Eliezar Alves, Tranka Oliveira Alves and Rossini herself. There are ideas ranging from classy pop as on “I Have Waited Like A Fool” and “Wake Up” to Rossini showing vulnerability around Ricardo’s Satie-esque piano on “I’ve Been Alone”. Some synthy sounding horns give an old school jazz feel as Rossini goes sassy on “Cry Cry Cry” and the rocking “Early Morning” while she takes you to Nashville while carrying a torch on “Release Me” and booking a late night club spot on “Do You Remember?”

Like the best of actresses, Rossini knows how to play a role, and she takes on her characters like a vocal version of Meryl Streep, convincing in each scene.~ By George W. Harris