Baiana - Baiana
by Zena Grieg
published: 5 / 12 / 2023

Label:
Absolute Marketing
Format: CD
intro
Infectious and panoramic combination of samba, jazz and bossa nova, sung in both English and Portuguese, from Baiana, the project of Liverpool musician Laura Doyle
Following memorable performances including opening for Brazilian music icon Gilberto Gil, Baiana (the alias of Liverpool-born jazz artist Laura Doyle) and her band have released a debut record. The self-titled album, produced by renowned Latin percussionist Mark ‘Snowboy’ Cotgrove, is a relaxing mix of Brasiliana, from sultry samba to jazz fusion, Baiao and sparkling bossa nova, the vocals in English and Portuguese, all set against sumptuous instrumentation. ‘Baiana’ (‘woman of Bahia’) was inspired by singer Doyle’s experience of living and working in Rio de Janeiro, where she learned Portuguese, immersing herself in the local Carioca culture and music. Doyle described the evolution of the album: “I’m not a trained musician so I had to rely on my creative instinct. I experience music as pictures in my mind, almost like a film and I try to interpret and express what the characters in that story are doing, thinking and feeling”. Songs to listen out for in this eleven-track collection include: ‘The Birds And The Bees’ with its lyrics speaking of longing counterpointed by an upbeat accompaniment featuring a rhythmic vibraphone; catchy ‘Salve Baiana’; the mellow ‘You Brought Me You’; joyful, Carnival-infused ‘Paradise’ with its playful whistling and insinuating samba rhythm; the moody, emotive breakthrough single ‘Saudade Samba’, acclaimed by Jazz FM; slow and slinky ‘Bossa Nova Dream’ with its rich brass, highlighting Doyle’s evocative vocals; and the haunting, atmospheric ‘Love Me Or Leave Me’. ‘Baiana’ is a romantic and soulful album with infectious rhythms and a colourful, panoramic sound.
Track Listing:-
1 Samba Mortal2 The Birds And The Bees
3 Salve Baiana
4 Last Minute Love
5 You Brought Me You
6 Paradise
7 Saudade Samba
8 Bossa Nova Dream
9 Love Me or Leave Me
10 Love Will Lead The Way
11 I Wish I Knew
Band Links:-
https://baiana.co.uk/https://www.facebook.com/Baianaband/
https://twitter.com/Baianaband
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