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Bossa Eyes

Laid back jazz vocals float beautifully over bossa and samba rhythms. This unusual mix is inspired by the work of Brazilian artist Antonio Carlos Jobim. The result is an acoustically spacious album which seduces the senses with a mix of familiar and original material.

Recording started in 2007. The project has since undergone amazing and loving transformations with the expertise of producer Paul Boath, musical director Todd Sidney and the team at Move Records.

The raw inspiration of acoustic Brazil and the brilliant talents of the likes of Bob Sedergreen feature on this 12 track disc, which flows effortlessly between original and reinterpretated compositions.

Composer Tom Jobim and his cohorts turned sex on the beach into sound (the 60s bossa nova) with a fusion of acoustic latin rhythms and laid back jazz improvisation. Picture a walk on the beach singing, the sea on a sunny summer afternoon while a sometimes unpredictable breeze plays over brown bodies and shining waves. Other non-bossa tracks include the Kate Bush classic Man with the Child in His Eyes and Johnny Mercer’s Tangerine, which is given a Latin flavour, thanks largely to Todd Sidney’s work on piano and Denis Close on Brazilian percussion. Unforgettable gets a bossa makeover, too. Check out Agua de Beber and Corcovado, where she gives the words more power and presence than most vocalists.

Her Latin rendition of Moonlight in Vermont is special, too, transforming an otherwise overdone, tired song into something fresh and new, thanks in no small part to her interpretation of the lyrics.

This album was inspired by that love, that moment in time recast into the new century.

Artist

Emma Sidney

A dedicated vocalist since her teens, Melbourne-based Emma Sidney has performed classical, opera, musical and jazz works since 1988, including stage and television appearances. From 1999 has dedicated herself to music full time leading bands, teaching jazz privately and organising work locally and overseas.


Press quotes

“Don't be fooled by the title. Sidney embraces the Latin American sounds but goes much further. It’s a brave, innovative journey – intriguing to listen to – that leaves the listener wondering where they will be taken. One of the best examples is her take on Wayne Shorter’s Infant Eyes. Its complicated, convoluted melody line would defy most vocalists. Backed by Bob Sedergreen on piano, Sidney holds it together, creating one of the album’s more intriguing passages. Sidney’s interpretation of the lyrics stands out. She understands them and brings them to life.” ★★★★

— Leon Gettler, The Age

“The popularity of bossa promises to make a comeback, thanks to this lovely and gentle new CD. Emma Sidney mixes famous Jobim standards with much loved melodies like 'Tangerine', and even a slow, haunting Kate Bush song, 'Man With The Child In His Eyes'. Emma’s own delicious 'Catching The Wave' ought to be the theme music for a surf doco, it’s that good.”

— Steve Robertson, The Portland Observer

Audio previews

Track Listing

  1. Corner of the Earth Jay Kay Rob Harris
  2. Intersection Bob Sedergreen Judy Jacques
  3. Agua de Beber Antonio Carlos Jobim Vinicius de Moraes Norman Gimbel
  4. Infant Eyes Wayne Shorter
  5. Tangerine Johnny Mercer Victor Schertzinger
  6. Corcovado Antonio Carlos Jobim
  7. Catching the Wave Emma Sidney
  8. Man with the Child in his Eyes Kate Bush
  9. Moonlight in Vermont Karl Suessdorf J Blackburn
  10. Telephone Song Roberto Menescal Ronaldo Bôscoli Norman Gimbel
  11. I Concentrate on You Cole Porter
  12. Unforgettable Irving Gordon

Performers

Composers

Bob Sedergreen

Pianist Bob Sedergreen is one of the greatest performers of the blues this country has produced. He is blessed too, with a wonderful style of musical humour.

Antonio Carlos Jobim

Johnny Mercer

Cole Porter


Where to buy

Bossa Eyes is available for download from the iTunes Music Store.
It's available for streaming through Spotify and Apple Music.

Bossa Eyes is available as as CD. It can be purchased online through Buywell Music or the Australian Music Centre which both offer secure online ordering.

Move CDs can be ordered through music retailers across Australia including Readings.

Product details

List price
$25.00 AUD
Release date
February 2010
Copyright
© 2010 Emma Sidney
Phonogram
℗ 2010 Move Records
Category
Jazz
Catalogue number
MD 3335
Alternate catalogue number
MD3335
Barcode
EAN 9314574333527