Singer Rosa Passos and bassist Ron Carter have recreated Brazilian music in their own image. Entre Amigos is a front row seat right by Ron Carter's big, woody upright bass as he uses his singing sound, big percussive beat and uncanny harmonic sensibility to complement the come-hither bossa artistry of the inimitable Rosa Passos.

• 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl
• Pressed at Quality Record Pressings (QRP, USA)

"Rosa Passos made her recording debut as a leader in 1979, but this 2003 Chesky album may be her first to be released outside of South America. The Brazilian singer is paired with veteran bassist Ron Carter, who provides a solid melodic foundation for her throughout the date; the delightful Brazilian guitarist Lula Galvao; percussionist Paulo Braga, and, on a few tracks, veteran session musician Billy Drewes on tenor sax or clarinet. While the focus is clearly on the soft, effective vocals of Passos, who is extremely effective in her interpretations of bossa nova classics such as "Insensatez," "Desafinado," "Caminhos Cruzados," and "O Grande Amor," Carter's solos are also subtly swinging. Not satisfied with sticking exclusively to a well known repertoire, Passos is a superb interpreter of less familiar songs like Jobim's "Por Causa de Voce" (a duet with Carter, whose playing is phenomenal on this track) and the lively "Feitio de Oracao." The warm, very intimate sound throughout this studio date makes this a particularly memorable bossa nova release." - Ken Dryden, All Music Guide

"...an enchanting example of artistry beyond category." — Los Angeles Times

"Maybe the year's best bossa nova album...The pairing of vocalist Passos and legendary bassist Carter (plus a backing band) is heavenly." — The Boston Globe

"...sure to stand out as one of the year's best." — AllAboutJazz.com

"Rosa Passos, a guitarist and singer from Brazil, is one of the best current practioners of bossa nova." — The New York Times

There is something so alluring about Brazilian music: a suggestion of the tropical, the mysterious, and the sensual. And there is the Portuguese language, where a simple turn of phrase, a halting silence, the cool articulation of a vowel sound can summon forth feelings that require no translation. Singer Rosa Passos, bassist Ron Carter and their fellow collaborators have recreated Brazilian music in their own image. Given the splendid recording quality of this recording, you have a front row seat right by Ron Carter's big, woody acoustic bass violin, as he uses his singing sound, big percussive beat and canny harmonic sensibility to compliment the come-hither bossa artistry of the imitable Rosa Passos.

Musicians:

Rosa Passos, vocals, guitar
Ron Carter, bass
Luis Guilherme Farias Galvao (Lula), guitar
Paulo Braga, percussion
Billy Drewes, tenor sax, clarinet

Track Listing:

1. Bahia Com H
2. Insensatez
3. Desafinado
4. Sorriu Para Mim
5. A Primeria Vez
6. Garota de Ipanema
7. Por Causa de Voce
8. Feitio de Oracao
9. O Grande Amor

Click here to listen to samples on YouTube.com ♫