In choosing to reinterpret fourteen songs by Antonio Carlos Jobim (1927-1994), Italians Daniele Di Bonaventura (bandoneon) and Giovanni Ceccarelli (piano) are confronted with a challenge: to stay true to the original flavor of an already widely covered repertoire, while still providing an innovative angle.
In fact, their reading falls far from the carioca spirit; it takes us to a more sombre place with the pianist electing not to imitate Jobim’s lightness of touch. On the bandoneon, Bonaventura provides some tango color, pulling our thoughts irretrievably into Astor Piazzolla territory. Yet, once again, we are left to measure just how resistant these superb melodies are to experimentation.
They are joined by Camille Bertault, French actress and singer, who declaims the first stanza of “As Praias Desertas” in Portuguese. It is the most sensitive interpretation on the album, the most beautiful and the most in harmony with the composer’s spirit. The singer Ivan Lins and the cellist Jaques Morelembaum – who was Tom Jobim’s companion during his last decade on tour – area also present on a number of tracks.
Daniele Di Bonaventura & Giovanni Ceccarelli – Eu Te Amo (Bonsaï Music)
