MERRILL, HELEN casa forte PAP-9246

A Jazz Vocalist’s Love Affair with Brazil: Helen Merrill’s “Casa Forte”

The cool, whispery tones of a great jazz vocalist are a perfect match for the gentle, sophisticated rhythms of bossa nova. Few albums demonstrate this synergy as beautifully as “Casa Forte” by the legendary American jazz singer, Helen Merrill. We are looking at the Japanese pressing of this wonderful 1980 recording, released on the Philips label with the catalog number PAP-9246.

Helen Merrill, who rose to fame with her classic 1950s recordings with Clifford Brown, has had a long and celebrated career, with a particularly strong and loyal following in Japan. Throughout her discography, she has often shown a deep appreciation for the music of Brazil, and “Casa Forte” is one of her most focused and immersive explorations of that sound.

The album is a beautiful collection of Brazilian standards and compositions from some of the country’s greatest songwriters. The title track, “Casa Forte,” is a well-known classic by the brilliant Edu Lobo. The album also features stunning interpretations of songs by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Milton Nascimento, among others. Merrill’s signature vocal style, known for its breathy intimacy and emotional depth, proves to be a perfect vehicle for these melodies. She doesn’t imitate Brazilian singers; instead, she brings her own unique jazz sensibility to the material, creating a sound that is both authentic and entirely her own.

The arrangements are lush and tasteful, providing a warm and sophisticated backdrop for her vocals. The album is a must-have for any fan of vocal jazz, bossa nova, and the timeless artistry of Helen Merrill.