A great little project – Clara Moreno's jazzy soul take on Jorge Ben's classic Samba Esquema Novo album – but much more than a simple tribute record, and some of her warmest grooves in years! The songs by Jorge are great, of course – but Clara is really doing something special here, adapting the material in a way that honors the soulful integrity Ben brought to the bossa in early 60s – but working with arranger Paulo Malheiros in a lively (and often live sounding) jazzy approach that really opens up the material! There's a lot of piano in the mix,the rhythm section is solid, and Clara's beautiful voice is right out front – and we especially love the warm and unfussy vibe of the record. We knew we were in for something special with the unique take on "Mas Que Nada" that starts the record off – and the groove continues on the cuts "Tim Dom Dom", "Balanca Pema", "Chove Chuva", "E So Sambar", "Rosa Menina Rosa", "Quero Esquecer Voce", "A Tamba", and "Pra Causa De Voce Menina". CD