“Exquisitely seductive...one of the most effective duos working in this idiom today.”
Ever since the bossa nova craze of the '60s, Americans have been smitten with Brazilian jazz, and exquisitely seductive recordings by groups such as Two for Brazil help explain why. The duo--guitarist-vocalist Paulinho Garcia and saxophonist Greg Fishman--plays a music that's as soft and gentle as a tropical breeze.
To hear Garcia's whispering vocals accompanied by Fishman's insinuating phrases on tenor saxophone and flute is to savor one of the most effective duos working in this idiom today. Although they take on standards such as "We'll Be Together Again" and "'Round Midnight," Garcia and Fishman make them sound as if they had been composed on a beach in Sao Paulo. Imagine, in other words, the vocals of Joao Gilberto accompanied by Stan Getz on winds, and you have a rough idea of the lush, sweetly lyric appeal of Two for Brazil.
––Howard Reich, L.A. Times
Two For Brazil, yet another fine duo,takes us through some choice selections from the great American songbook by way of Brazil. In guitarist and singer Paulinho Garcia’s able hands, “Fascinating Rhythm” is just that – fascinating! You could set your watch to this guy’s groove, and his sound is warm, supple and rich. Garcia’s voice is also a warm alto with more than a pleasant hint of his Spanish accent.
Greg Fishman is the perfect complement to the guitar and voice, as his full and melodic style on tenor and flute fill out the sound completely. Coming out of Stan Getz and, to a lesser extent, Joe Henderson, his fills and solos seem just right throughout this fine date.
“We’ll Be together Again” is given new life here with a subtle bossa treatment and a languid intro a la Dizzy Gillespie. The samba version of Clifford Brown’s masterpiece, “Daahoud,” is worth the price of admission alone. Besides being a clinic in how to play Brazilian guitar, it’s a fine arrangement with a new intro, a burning tenor solo, a soli section for voice and a different ending. “Round Midnight” is also dusted off and freshened up as a Boss Nova with voice and flute, and make no mistake – Greg Fishman is not a saxophonist who “doubles” on flute – he can play, as his masterful solo here confirms.
The Brazilian beat is alive and well in this unique ensemble’s hands and “Plays The Standards” is an excellent recording.
Jim Josselyn, Cadence Magazine
Review: Two For Brazil has a new CD release, PLAYS THE STANDARDS, and it is the best work yet to come from the duo of Greg Fishman and Paulinho Garcia. 16 classic standards fill this collection, and it is 63:32 minutes of pure enjoyment hearing these men perform their music together.
Greg Fishman is a master of both flute and tenor saxophone, and there are selections in this collection that would have the late Stan Getz standing with the audience applauding! Greg Fishman has a style and voice that is uniquely his own, and he has few peers who sound as good and flawless as Fishman does. Fishman's style is pleasantly found in all its perfection, intricate stylings, and variety in "Black Orpheus" and "All The Things You Are," among others.
Paulinho Garcia has a smooth and poignant voice, filled with gentleness and a touch of blues, a voice perfectly attuned to the songs performed in PLAYS THE STANDARDS. Paulinho Garcia is to contemporary bossa nova vocals what the late Frank Sinatra was to American contemporary vocals. Listening to Garcia sing his versions of "Angel Eyes" and Gershwin's "Embraceable You" places him in the same league as Sinatra, and his recordings are the equal of Sinatra at Sinatra's best. Garcia's acoustic guitar work is superb and impeccable.
Some of the songs include, the poignant "We'll Be Together Again," "Tis Autumn," "Samba Do Aviao," the intricate vocal version of "Mam'selle," and the incredibly flawless renditions of Fishman & Garcia together on "Round Midnight," "On Green Dolphin Street," "Black Orpheus," Jerome Kern's "All The Things You Are," "There Will Never Be Another You," among others. These songs reflect the bossa nova jazz performances we have come to expect and cherish from Fishman & Garcia, the Two For Brazil.
Any of these fine selections are candidates for playtime on radio, and one that is sure to be included is "Angel Eyes" which showcases the talents of both men. That goes for the memorable "We'll Be Together Again" and "All The Things You Are," as well.
This PLAYS THE STANDARDS will delight jazz listeners with its great song gems, lovely musical surprises, and fine performances that please and share. Fishman & Garcia make a perfect performing duo, and their musical adventures are ones jazz listeners will want to experience and be entertained by. With Paulinho Garcia on acoustic guitar and vocals, and Greg Fishman on tenor saxophone and flute, PLAYS THE STANDARDS is destined to increase their listening audience and will become a true classic of contemporary bossa nova jazz. If you want some flawless bossa nova jazz, it simply does not come any better than Two For Brazil PLAYS THE STANDARDS. If you are new to the sounds of Paulinho Garcia and Greg Fishman, this collection of 16 songs is a perfect introduction. Thanks for the memory! Great collection.
––Lee Prosser, Jazzreview.com