A warmly intimate album from Joao Gilberto � one that has the singer and guitarist in the same special space as his wonderful albums from the early 70s - a bit more sophisticated than the bossa years, but equally personal throughout! The set was co-produced by Helen Keane � who was bringing real magic to the records of pianist Bill Evans at the time � and music is by a core combo that includes American jazz musicians Ralph Grierson on keyboards and Grady Tate on drums � with some additional larger arrangements from Claus Ogerman, but used in a way that never clutters up the sound at all. Instead, Joao sounds beautiful right up front in the mix � with those sublime raspy vocals, and perfectly-placed lines on acoustic guitar � on titles that include a fabulous reading of "Estate", plus Jobim's "Wave" and "Zingaro", and the tracks "Caminha Cruzados", "Tin Tin Por Tin Tin", and "Besame Mucho".[info sheet from distr.]