7 Velas

In 1991, various jazz artists got together in the studio for Velas, a little-known project focusing on light (though not lightweight) Brazilian jazz, pop and pop-jazz. Sounding a bit like Azymuth, Velas included such talent as guitarist John Pisano, L.A. singer Kevyn Lettau, keyboardist Jutaka Yokokura (who serves as producer), alto saxman Gary Meek and percussionist Luis Conte. No bossa nova or Antonio Carlos Jobim songs were included; instead, participants provided their own material and interpreted songs by Brazilian greats like Dori Caymmi ("Obsession") and Toninho Horta ("Aquelas Coisas Todas"). Jazz critics and purists have tended to dismiss Lettau because of her pop leanings, but she shows how likable a singer she can be on "Voltei Pra Ficar," "Bosco Mania" and "Muito Mais." And her ability to sing convincingly in Portuguese is impressive, considering that English is her primary language and that she grew up in the U.S. This decent CD could prove difficult to find, but is worth hearing if you come across a copy.