Carminho Canta Tom Jobim

When standing in front of a giant, expect to remain caught under his shadow – for better or for worse. Carminho, one of the brightest new voices to bring fado back to the limelight, decided to state her love for Brazilian music by recording an album entirely dedicated to Tom Jobim’s seminal work. And while doing so – as a testament to her utter respect and profound devotion – she picked up where Jobim had left off: she has recorded this album with Jobim’s last band, Banda Nova. Singing his repertoire with his musicians, she is clearly deep into Jobim’s territory. That closeness to Jobim can be a little underwhelming at first. And perhaps that is why Carminho steps onto higher ground every time she moves further from Jobim’s trademark style and closer to her own fado. Whenever she ventures into jazz-like performances, such as the gorgeous rendition of ‘Retrato em Preto e Branco’, solely accompanied by Jaques Morelenbaum’s cello, the album takes off. Sharing the stage with Marisa Monte, Chico Buarque and Maria Bethânia also proves a smart move. Definitely a grower, but it’s a shame it doesn’t skyrocket a bit more often.