Chicagoans may not realize how fortunate they are to have singer-guitarist Garcia and saxophonist Fishman in their midst. Garcia's singing of Brazilian fare is as subtle, idiomatic and historically informed as one might hope to hear; his guitar playing providing gently undulating accompaniment. Fishman can play tenor saxophone in a variety of styles, but he slips into the gently swaying rhythms and even-keel dynamics of Brazilian music with particular charm. Together, these two create a sublimely understated music, at once respectful of South American folk traditions yet sleekly sophisticated. Whoever suggested pairing Garcia and Fishman deserves a round of applause. It isn't often that two jazz improvisers achieve comparable musical intimacy.
––Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune Jazz critic.
TWO FOR BRAZIL, featuring Paulinho Garcia on acoustic guitar and vocals, and Greg Fishman on tenor saxophone and flute, is one of the very finest Brazilian jazz CDs to come down in the pike in many a year! What Getz and Jobim did in the 1960s is now being updated with new approaches and new sounds for the year 2000! Each selection on TWO FOR BRAZIL is a creative adventure, and each selection showcases the unique, flawless, and magnificent performances by Fishman & Garcia.
This is a remarkably perfect collection with the old classics sung new!! 13 selections! Such songs as "Brazil," "To Hurt My Heart," "Bahia," "Here We Are," "One Note Samba," "The Girl From Ipanema" are in this smooth collection of Brazilian jazz.
I played "To Hurt My Heart" several times, and I was amazed at the beauty of the performance, especially the tender vocal by Paulinho Garcia; this song, and this goes for the entire CD, deserve much play time on the jazz stations. Both of these jazz musicians are professional and share their poetic visions in music with the jazz listener. Give a few listens to the lovely "You and I" also, for it is an outstanding and lively Brazilian song, as is "Here We Are."
Great songs, great Brazilian feel, great Brazilian sound, great in all aspects!! Make this a must have CD if you love the sounds of innovative, excellent Brazilian music, for everything about TWO FOR BRAZIL is perfect! Five stars!
TWO FOR BRAZIL is a classic! Excellent! Great musical adventure, great performances!
––Lee Prosser, Jazzreview.com Jazz critic
This is a beautiful album essential to your Brazilian jazz collection. Paulinho is Chicago's Brasileiro, a traveling storyteller with guitar in hand. Many remember him from his early work as the bassist with Som Brasil (a.k.a. Made in Brasil) and have followed his solo career through his two previous releases on the Southport label. On this recording he sings like an angel, in both Portuguese and English, and plays excellent acoustic guitar. Greg Fishman plays masterful tenor sax and surprises us with his excellent flute toward the end of the album. Although Greg has his own voice, there are moments when you would swear that Stan Getz was in the room. The repertoire is comprised of Brasilian standards, including favorite Jobim tunes from the '60s and brings us up to date with compositions from Ivan Lins, Joao Bosco and Djavan. There is a very subtle fire here, you'll enjoy listening to this CD many times.
––Marshall Vente, Jazz Institute of Chicago Jazz critic.