In style and substance, Brazilian songstress Rosa Passos has been heralded as the female equivalent of João Gilberto. The comparison hasn't been gratuitous. Since her 1979 debut, Passos has kept the embers of bossa nova glowing long after its initial explosion enraptured the world and like Gilberto she's become the genre's international voice. In the manner of her idol, Passos is an accomplished rhythm guitarist as well. And last but not least there's a similar intention in both of their voices, where impeccable timing, clarity, and a nuanced conversational approach are favored over ornamentation. Gilberto and Passos exude a subtle, sophisticated cadence found somewhere between the ethereal sway of introspection and the inviting warmth of simplicity. On Passos's latest recording, Romance (Telarc) -- released to coincide with bossa nova's 50th anniversary -- the singer/songwriter tackles the timeless topic of love with her signature torchy vocals in twelve gems culled from the Great Brazilian Songbook. Arranged for a small jazz ensemble, Passos's phrasings are deliberate and disarming. Antonio Carlos Jobim ("Por Causa de Você," "Eu Sei Que Vou Te Amar"), Djavan ("Alibi"), Ivan Lins ("Doce Presenca"), João Donato ("Cadê Você"), Dorival Caymmi ("Nem Eu"), and Chico Buarque ("Tatuagem"), are some of the luminaries whose songs Passos inhabits in intimate, heartfelt renditions. Love, sensuality, and heartache are universal emotions that Passos taps into by singing from a very personal perspective. To be commended are the fine musicians who accompany Passos on her sentimental journey. Pianist Fabio Torres, bassist Paul Paulelli, drummer Celso de Almeida -- whose brushwork is exquisite -- guitarist Lula Galvão, trumpeters Daniel D’Alcântara and Nahor Gomes, and saxophonist Vinícius Dorin convey the required vulnerability and elegant restraint from where Passos glides, hovers, or meanders in verbose lyricism. Romance is bossa nova at its finest and Passos is its reigning queen.
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