"a mesmerizing album"
~Egídio Leitão of Musica Brasileira
The acoustic instrumentation created for the classic repertoire performed here is captivating. Combined with that, the sultry vocals created by Yates make Rio a mesmerizing album. Tim Drackert not only produced the album, but he also arranged all tracks. It is evident upon hearing Rio that he was very careful and meticulous arranging this music. The minimalist instrumental approach not only sounds perfect, but it is also a perfect match to Yates sensuous voice...The Tim Drackert Group uses its artistic tools to deliver a satisfying album with enticing performances.
"seductive, energetic and hypnotic"
~Jessica Soberg of Your Times
Yates's delivery has all the breathy sensuousness of Sade and the clarity and conversational style of Suzanne Vega. Her vocals have a remarkably mature and full-bodied quality that belies her young age...You don't have to understand a word of Portuguese to appreciate the unique cadence of the language - lilting, swaying, countering the lively yet understated melodies provided by guitarist Tim Drackert, percussionist Dennis Unsworth, and bassist Rennan Rieke...The guitar-centered jazz of the Tim Drackert Group is softer and more intimate than horn-driven jazz bands - flowing easily between seductive, energetic and hypnotic...And Rieke's bass playing pulses with warmth, the perfect complement to the controlled tempo of Unsworth's percussion...The pleasing variety of mood culminates in "Berimbau," track four, which is quite modern, with engaging layers of sound and an urgent pace. Drackert's guitar work on track 10, "Desafinado," is bright and piquant, a lively syncopation to Yates's soft, quick vocals.
"brasilieros de coração e alma"
~Tera Crisalida, bossa nova musician
Being half Brazilian myself and an avid listener and player of Brazilian music, I was skeptical about this CD - that is until I heard it... The CD is well produced and the talented musicians really do justice to this genre. Julia Yates has by far the best portuguese accent of any American I've ever heard and Tim Drackert's melodic and intriguing guitar solos leave you yearning for more. I played this CD for my mother who is a full blooded Brazilian and she swore Julia and the other musicians were Brazilians. As we say in Portuguese maybe they are "brazilieros de coração e alma" (their hearts and souls are Brazilian). Hearing the CD prompted me to hear this group live and their performance is not to be missed. Congratulations to these talented musicians and thanks for getting it right!
"bossa at its best!"
~Gary Weglarz, bossa nova musician
Wow! I'm a fan of bossa nova and this CD hits the mark big time! To my tastes too many classic bossa nova recordings were marred, or rendered all but unlistenable, by the addition of violins, horns and other instruments that were added for "commercial" appeal, rather than because they were in any way appropriate to the music or it's heritage. This CD is bossa at its best! Angelic voice, sweet guitar, solid percussion and bass, and great interpretations by musicians who obviously love and understand the music. Not a violin to be found anywhere! As and added bonus, the several jazz classics included in this mix blend beautifully, and the Drackert group hits them right out of the park with some refreshing creative interpretations. The musicianship is outstanding and approach to these classic tunes is respectful, yet fresh and full of life and heart. Without doubt the best bossa nova recording I've heard in ages.
