Rita Ribeiro

The debut album by singer Rita Ribeiro reveals a sensitive interpreter interested in Brazilian music and great composers. Paying tribute to important northeastern composers, "Pé do Laranjeiro" (João do Vale/Cândido/Bangu) is a translation of the northeastern song to the reggae idiom; "Cocada" (Antônio Vieira) brings the poetic accordion of Dominguinhos in the delicious Bahian groove, in spite of the drum machine loop; "Tem Quem Queira" is an all-time classic, a Bahian samba interpreted delicately with mandolin (Antônio Vieira); and "Pra Você Gostar de Mim" (Vital Farias) exposes the crude logic of love-commodity. New composers also join the album, through the lyrical toada with slide guitars and bluesy touches on "Isso" (Chico César), the contemporary pop/fusion of "Missiva" (Zeca Baleiro), the reggae of "Olhozinho" (Baleiro), the dramatic "Cortei O Dedo" (Carlos Careqa/Raul Cruz), and programmable drum machines of Indian tablas of a corny Jovem Guarda hit, "Impossível Acreditar Que Perdi Você." One of the most beautiful songs is the original "Divino," with its strong northeastern rendition, based in accordion hold chords topped by exquisite vocals; but "Yes" is even better, with the strong and exciting participation of the Banda de Pífanos de Caruaru. The song also has the special guest Baleiro. "Jurema" is a folkloric theme interpreted with swinging energy. This disc also includes Baleiro's hit ballad "Lenha." ~ Alvaro Neder, All Music Guide