Being introduced to new and exciting music, many times covers a serendipitous route as I heard about Patricia Talem from Jimmy Haslip of the Yellowjackets whom I caught up with at the Blue Note in New York. Jimmy and Russell Ferrante, also of the Yellowjackets, both love Latin music and contributed their talents on the release. So, based off their recommendation I gave Patricia Talem a listen, and then another listen, as Patricia has that type of voice that is enchanting and haunting; she has that ability to capture the body and the mind. Along with Jimmy Haslip and Russell Ferrante of the Yellowjackets, Patricia is accompanied by an all-star cast of Brazilian musicians who lend their creative energy to make this a memorable release and stellar debut.
I have a fairly extensive selection of Brazilian music and what I like the most about all the different genres and styles that I have is the feel of the music. On Patricia's release, I could feel each song as she has that ability to convey and project meaning through her timing and how she accents certain words and phrases, as well as through her tone and pace.
Though my Portuguese is not extensive, I had some of the titles and lyrics translated to better understand Patricia's meaning behind her song selections.
The opening track Zé Feliz is about the journey of life and how you get wiser as you follow the paths that you come upon, and for someone releasing her debut album this is both musically and lyrically a beautiful introduction. The track Ludo Real, written by Chico Buarque, opens a door to Patricia's inner feelings as she moves through this song about dreams and love. Tarde Solar (Late Sun) is a jazz compilation with some Brazilian spice and passion as Russell Ferrante's keyboards court Patricia's vocals and ultimately they end up in a striking duet.
