Brazilian jazz vocalist Leny Andrade has recorded more than 30 albums throughout her career, but Alegria De Viver, her collaboration with NYC guitarist Roni Ben-Hur, shows a side of the singer that audiences have never seen.
Known for her fiery performances with trios, the 72-year-old switches things up in Alegria De Viver, delivering an intimate album of treasured sambas, boleros and bossa novas which she’s never before recorded. Andrade wanted to make the record with Ben-Hur after playing together at the Brazilian music camp he cofounded. The two met in Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro not long after where they created most of the CD in four days. The whole setup was quite casual, just the two of them seated in a small room planning the song selection and arrangements on the spot under Andrade’s leadership. Even though the rest of the album was finished in Teaneck, New Jersey, where Ben-Hur lives, after listening, it sounds like they never left that room in Brazil.
The New York Times dubbed Andrade the “Sarah Vaughan and the Ella Fitzgerald of Brazil,” an accurate comparison as evidenced by the soul-stirring collection of songs on Alegria De Viver. These include Pixinguinha’s “Carinhoso,” Johnny Alf’s rarely performed “O Que e Amar,” and Dori Caymmi and Nelson Motta’s “Cantador.” Of course it wouldn’t a Brazilian set without the legendary Antonio Carlos Jobim, so also featured are classics such as “Dindi,” “Estrada Branca,” and “Ana Luisa” which Andrade chose in honor of Ben-Hur’s daughter of the same name.
My personal favorite is “Una Manana,” an up-tempo number with incredible scatting, playful guitar riffs, and unbelievable range. The album as a whole has a seductive feel what with Andrade’s husky timbre and Ben-Hur’s gentle accompaniment. As brilliant as he is fusing classical Spanish harmonies with Brazilian rhythms, he’s content to let Andrade steer, her dynamic voice seamlessly leaping from her upper register to a purring, earthy tones throughout the record, but especially in “Una Manana.” Combined with amazing control and perfect diction, it becomes obvious why Tony Bennett himself sings her praises.
All in all, Alegria De Viver is a delightfully sultry recording that will transport you to the rain forests of South America.
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