Carol Bach-y-Rita

She could be the most passionately interesting singer to bloom in recent years. A personality and a presence that are absolutely irresistible. - Figaroscope, Paris, France

Carol Bach-y-Rita, What Love Is (Arugula Records)
This is an intriguing mix of Brazilian and American jazz and pop standards - shifting between English and Portuguese - from Los Angeles-based singer, dancer, actress, voiceover artist Carol Bach-y-Rita. This debut CD has a lot going for it, including its most-musical, sensual and laid-back feel. Her interpretations of Jobim’s “Corcovado” and Johnny Mandel’s ”A Time for Love” are as cool and soothing as a pitcher of caipirinhas on a sweltering summer afternoon. Her backing quartet features bassist Trey Henry, pianist Jamieson Trotter, drummer Mike Shapiro and saxophonist/flutist Robert Kyle. The Bach-y-Rita-Henry duet version of “Don’t Explain” is exquisite. A beautiful version of “Lazy Afternoon” closes the session. - Ken Franckling- Jazz Notes

On this enticing project, Los Angeles-based vocalist Carol Bach-Y-Rita lends her warm alto to a bonanza of Brazilian-inflected music. An ace band, saxophonist and flutist Robert Kyle, pianist Jamieson Trotter, bassist Trey Henry and drummer Mike Shapiro, backs her. The timeless "You Don't Know What Love Is," poignant as ever as a bossa, offers Kyle's tender remarks after Bach-Y-Rita's telling lyric reading. The leader and Kyle revisit the bop blues, "Don't Get Scared," with King Pleasure's words over a melodic Stan Getz solo. Jobim's gem "Corcovado" is enchanting in Portuguese, with an emotive Kyle on tenor. Gilberto Gil's buoyant "Eu Vim Da Bahia" sports lightly dancing Trotter piano after an alluring vocal. Moacir Santos' "April Child" is another winner in Portuguese.
-- Zan Stewart - Zan Stewart, www.nj.com

A magnificent singer… Absolutely sizzling – she burns up the stages. - Figaroscope, Paris France

Deliciously charming…
In full command of her music, swinging hard, and shining through bop classics, Brazilian pieces and rhythm and blues…
- Il Secolo XIX, Genoa, Italy

She sings Jazz, Bossa and Salsa with a voice that is warm and enveloping.
It is Hard not to be utterly charmed.
- Nouvel Observateur, France

Humorous spirit, joyous communication, and swinging music… She transforms even the most challenging material
Into a joyful combustion on stage
- Il Lavoro, Italy