'Bossa Bossa' was pure bliss

For about two hours on Aug. 14, the Footlight Players theater came alive with the sultry, lilting sounds of authentic Brazilian music.

Vocalists Duda Lucena and Leah Suarez headlined Bossa Bossa, a program they produced of Musica Popular Brazileira, modern popular music from the culture-laden country, bossa nova and samba.

The singers soared. This reviewer has never heard either of them sound better. Both articulated very delicate renderings of mostly Antonio Carlos Jobim material, leaving spellbound about 200 people in the nearly full, intimate old theater.

Suarez sang bel canto, clear as a bell with no vibrato, accentuating smooth, spare phrasing that resonated with absolute beauty.

Lucena was wide ranging and pitch perfect as he accompanied on guitar, an electric flat body that sang with Lucena's gorgeous touch all evening.

Also in the mix was magnificent ensemble playing offered by Gerald Gregory on piano, Ben Wells on bass, Ron Wiltrout on percussion (probably the best Latin drum kit player in town), Charlton Singleton on trumpet, Mitch Bulter on trombone and Mark Sterbank on saxophone and flute.

While everything was built around the singers, it was like a performance of an eight-piece band, tight and in the pocket. Especially fine that night was Gregory. Hints of conversations with himself could be heard inside his solos and his support of the singers

All these musicians are jazz players. At the same time, they stayed true to Brazilian fundamentals. There were times when there was a blues feel, too, infused mostly by Gregory's voicings.

At times, the vocalists sang solo. Suarez' "Dindi," accompanied only by piano and trumpet, was superb and hauntingly beautiful.

Lucena brought everything to a stellar standstill with his offering of "Cuercovado," a Jobim classic with lyrics by Gene Lees. He evoked all the swing and sway associated with Brazil, moonlit nights with light breezes and swaying palm fronds.

Another high point was the two singing "How Insensitive" with Suarez and Lucena alternating verses in English and Portuguese, respectively.

Everybody involved in the project, the musicians, Andrew Higdon of Hope Sound and the staff, have worked together before.

And it showed.

Look out for this the next time around. I'm sure there will be one.