Brazilian Byrd

by Scott YanowThe arrangements by Tommy Newsom for strings, brass, and woodwinds may be a bit sweet and the 13 performances (which on the CD reissue include a previously unreleased take of "Engano") may be overly concise (often under three minutes), but the resulting music is strangely pleasing. Acoustic guitarist Charlie Byrd always had a strong affinity for Brazilian jazz, and he sticks exclusively to Antonio Carlos Jobim songs (including "Só Danço Samba," "Corcovado," "Dindi," and "The Girl from Ipanema") during this tasteful and melodic effort. Truly beautiful music.