Oscar Castro-Neves Albums (7)
What The Critics Say
Oscar Castro-Neves has been one of the most important Brazilian musicians on the jazz scene for some time. His skills as a guitarist, vocalist, composer, and arranger are all on display in this release. Starting with a swinging instrumental setting of Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Double Rainbow," which incorporates Charlie Bisharat's Gypsy-like violin, Gary Meek's multiple reeds, and pianist Don Grusin, Castro-Neves signals that this is not going to be a predictable release. His compositions include the funky, strutting "All One" and the infectious "Holding with an Open Hand." The surprising rendition of "'Round Midnight" begins dramatically, then suddenly turns into a lively upbeat bossa nova. Equally compelling are his arrangements of standards like "The Very Thought of You" and "There Will Never Be Another You," both of which feature his warm, friendly vocals. The only disappointment is the inclusion of smooth jazzer Michael Franks' lightweight, monotonous "One Bad Habit" to close an otherwise flawless CD. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The beloved Brazilian guitar legend's resumé is so chock-full of varied musical experiences -- jazz, pop, film scoring, ten years with Sergio Mendes -- that his brilliant solo efforts can't help but include informal homages to different eras of his life. He starts out here getting straight to the heart of the matter, paying tribute to his fellow countryman Antonio Carlos Jobim with a self-contained plucky guitar/vocal duet of "Waters of March," which includes spirited scat passages. He moves into samba mode for a lively medley of Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker tunes, "Groovin' High/Whispering," deferring to Toots Thielemans' always engaging harmonica for melody as he harmonizes gently; then they switch roles. His other medley is a wilder, more percussive mix of a standard and an original, "Lorry's Swing/Autumn Leaves." Mixing modes, tempos, and moods, he mines standards ("Watch What Happens," "My Foolish Heart") and Brazilian classics (more by Jobim and Luiz Bonfá), and offers a dreamy take on "The Fool on the Hill," the Beatles song that Mendes made a famous cover of. No matter the rhythm pattern, outside percussion influence, or ensemble contribution (Don Grusin and Gary Meek make notable contributions), the soul of each tune is Castro-Neves' precise, melodic strings. From the diversity of this disc, it's clear he has a lot of beautiful memories to play with. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Excellent production, good arrangements. Paul Winter (sax) and Eugene Friesen (b) bring a new-age feel. Castro-Neves adds Latin tinge. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Oscar Castro-Neves' virtuosity in all areas of musical expression have led the Rio native into a multi faceted career which has included being one of the founding forces of the early 60s bossa nova movement, as well as a player, writer, arranger or producer for some of the hottest pop and jazz artists over the last 30 years (Barbra Streisand, Ella Fitzgerald) and a composer/orchestrator for film and television. His third JVC album More Than Yesterday is as diverse and dynamic as the artist himself, thirteen solid tunes dedicated to his wife and employing his trademark acoustic as well as a Midi nylong strong electric guitar. The contagious energy of the title track (which may remind listeners of "Zorba the Greek") and the percussive closer "Oh What a Sight," finds him letting loose, hitting an amazing amount of notes. In between these intense moments, Castro-Neves settles into a comfortable Brazilian mode which highlights his fluid string style. The opening tracks, "Playful Lovers," "Felicia and Bianca" and "My Heart Knows" display this cool yet playful side of his personality. Typically, these songs begin calmly, then build s trength before the spicy percussion sections of Luis Conte kick in and set the pieces towards Brazilian heaven. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
His best from a Latin jazz standpoint. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
