Jobim: The Sound Of Ipanema And Beyond – Adelaide Cabaret Festival Review

Festival Theatre Stage, Fri 12 Jun Antonio “Tom” Jobim was a creator of Bossa Nova and wrote some of the most famous Brazilian and Bossa Nova music in the world. The capacity audience at Festival Theatre Stage cabaret venue last night relished a tasty selection of these timeless tunes performed by some of the best musicians we, and the world, have in this genre. Drummer/percussionist and Brazilian music aficionado, Alastair Kerr, and world-class Brazilian/jazz style guitarist, Doug de Vries, are the musical directors of Jobim. With their beautiful band Panorama Brasil, these wonderful musicians deliciously opened the evening before inviting Brazilian chanteuse Alda Rezende to the stage. Singing mostly in Portuguese, Alda’s rich, earthy voice and vibrant energy brought the familiar songs to life, transporting us to the sunny beaches of Rio in another time. Her renditions of One Note Samba, Bonita, Desafinado and Jobim’s most famous song in Brazil, I Know That I Will Love You gave us a gorgeous example of why these songs are as alive today as they ever were. Vince Jones, Australia’s much loved and highly acclaimed singer and trumpet/flugelhorn player, then added his inimitable style to the mix. With his trademark lilting and lyrical vocals and tastefully mellow playing, he performed Wave, How Insensitive and Aqua de Beber before being joined by Alda to finish the set with some shared numbers. The absolute highlight of this rich evening for me was Alda Rezende singing part of The Girl From Ipanema in Moari (she now lives in NZ). It was electrifying. Stating that Jobim was a passionate advocate for indigenous rights, she told us she wanted to sing it in the dialect of our Kuarna people but had been unable to find a teacher. This was an excellent showcase of a musical style that is ready for resurgence into popularity, performed by accomplished and understated musicians. Wonderful. Nikki Fort Jobim continues at Festival Theatre Stage, Adelaide Festival Centre, at various times until Sun 14 Jun. The Season is Sold Out.