Bossa Cuca Nova: Revisited Classics

Young and old bossa nova musicians meet in the middle on this engaging attempt to embrace the familiar tunes through the miracle of modern technology -- in other words, they've been doctored by three young DJs: Alexandre Moreira, DJ Marcelinho DaLua and M rcio Menescal (son of original bossa nova musician Roberto Menescal). Revisited Classics includes originals by bossa lynchpins like Carlos Lyra and Os Cariocas are given the cuca treatment, which means sampling and beats have been added or gentle new vocals, like those of Cris Delanno and Astrid, who put their spin on the old numbers. It's an interesting idea, though not always fresh as it sounds; at is worst it's like warmed-over dinner jazz. ~ Denise Sullivan, All Music Guide

Revisited Classics captures three young DJs from Rio reassembling Brazilian classics with modern hip-hop rhythms and DJ sampling for an effective melding of the sensual past with the in-your-face present. What's refreshing about this album is the three mixmasters' expertise in highlighting the luscious jazzy essence of the bossa nova while bringing in DJ dance attitude without impairing either genre. Take Wanda Sâ's "Meditaçâo": distorted guitar à la Black Sabbath engraves the melodies, but the clips are restrained enough to allow the soft, tinkling piano lines to work their luminous, exotic magic. Similarly, the fat beats on "Influencia do Jazz" bring a sumptuous groove to Carlos Lyra's airy, high voice, recalling US 3 without the pretense. The respect these artists have for their bossa nova elders is apparent--the jacket's littered with 1960s photos of bossa nova artists and a couple of original versions relax at album's end, right about the time you realize this new Brazilian generation knows how to pay an extraordinarily tasteful tribute to the past while reinventing the present. --Karen Karleski