Ivan Lins – My Heart Speaks (Resonance Records, 2023)
My Heart Speaks is a splendid new recording by the great Brazilian composer and singer Ivan Lins. This inviting album presents the composer in a unique collaboration with the 91-piece symphony orchestra from Tbilisi, the capital of the Republic of Georgia. On this occasion, Lins combines timeless songs rooted in samba, bossa nova and other Brazilian rhythms with elegant orchestral arrangements expertly devised by Kuno Schmid of Los Angeles as well as a world-class band. Notably, My Heart Speaks also features high profile guests from the jazz world such as Dianne Reeves and Jane Monheit, rising talent Tawanda (winner of the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition), and trumpet maestro Randy Brecker.
Although you find plenty of songs in the original Portuguese language, the album includes songs performed in English as well. Lins, celebrated for his truly great, seductive singing, performs many irresistible and accessible gems from his remarkable catalog such as “Renata Maria,” “Corpos” (Bodies), “Congada Blues,” “Easy Going,” “Nada Sem Vocé” and many more. Furthermore, “I’m Not Alone,” performed by Tawanda, is an English language adaptation of Lins’s classic “Anjo de Mim.”
The album booklet includes fascinating biographical details written by James Gavin, a well-known music biographer; notes about the songs; and lyrics in Portuguese and English.
Musicians:
Ivan Lins on vocals and piano; Josh Nelson (USA) on piano; Leo Amuedo (Uruguay) on guitar; Carlitos Del Puerto (Cuba) on bass; and Mauricio Zottarelli (Brasil) on drums and percussion.
Tbilisi Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Vakhtang Kahkide.
Guests: Dianne Reeves on vocals; Jane Monheit on vocals; Tawanda on vocals; and Randy Brecker on trumpet.
Buy My Heart Speaks.
Author: Iliana Cabrera
