TOCO Outro Lugar
(Italian Schema, 2007)
1) Outro Lugar 2) Litoral 3) Zum Zum 4) Assuntos Banais 5) Bom motivo 6) Samba noir 7) Barracao
8) Voz Da Lapa 9) Guarapiranga 10) Contradicao 11) Simples 12) Foolish Samba
Yet another ESSENTIAL release on Italy's wonderful Schema imprint. Toco hails not from Italy
but Brazil, and this CD is pure and simply as Bossa as it comes. It is warm, rich, summery and
100% essential. All vocals are, as you would expect, in Portuguese and as poetic and beatitude as
it can be when married to this beautiful music.
If you purchased the brilliant Gerado Frisina set then you will have noted that Toco's
“Guarapiranga” was afforded a marvellous remix. This contains the original version...and it is
equally superb. The rhodes and the samba is more evident, as are the vocals. This is more organic
and warm and a perfectly suitable spoil for an excellent uptempo version. I love both versions as
they are literally chalk and cheese and not the same record. I was immediately grabbed by the
beautiful opening track. I am always a sucker for strings. They, to me, are one of the most
emotional instruments if employed properly – I am thinking more Larry Gold than Sherlock Holes,
if you catch my drift. The title track is the opening song and the strings kill me every time.
I have to start the track again and again to hear them. They are mournful, soulful and emotionally deep.
This is then soon joined by a smooth Bossa Nova sashaying beat and plucked acoustic guitar.
The result is pure unadulterated heaven. Toco's vocals are gentle and yet rich, and the female
vocalist on backing duties as dusky and sexy as you could want them to be. As a record this,
for me, is absolute perfection. It is afforded an English version at the sunset of the CD, and
is great but the beat is programmed and rather hollow and echoey. Nice contract, though, I suppose!
Lovely lyrics in English, although it doesn't have the magnetism and mystery of the original language.
“Litoral” also carries the flame of the traditional Bossa tradition, and even though I haven't a
clue what Toco is singing about, the sheer beauty and poetry of the language captivates and enthrals.
I sit here listening to this with temperatures nearing the 80s and a clear blue sky. What better
music for a perfect late Spring afternoon? Fans of the legendary Marcos Valle should warm to this
album, and tracks such as “Zum Zum” in particular. If you appreciated the more Brazilian efforts
from the great man's recent works for Far Out, then this set will be a direct hit for you.
“Assuntos Banai”with its lovely flute work, full blown vocals and 60s feel works wonders for
me as does the wonderful vocals of Rosalia De Souza. This is one talented Lady and her recent
album (and remix album) are essential. My next favourite is the chilled acoustic number,
“Contradicao”. This track is gorgeous, and features sexy French vocalist Coralie Clément.
The recording quality is as clear as crystal and rich. Recording technology has reached such
a level that it allows quality music to sound absolutely fantastic. And absolutely fantastic
is what this album is. A no-risk purchase.
- Barry Towler
