Tributo

Album review

The late Suba was just beginning to come into his own when he was killed in a fire. One of the most subtle and inventive producers in Brazil, his work with Bebel Gilberto pushed him to the forefront, and then his solo album confirmed his status. This album, which isn't all Suba but does include plenty of his work, is a testament to his talent -- and also to the legacy he's left behind him. Perhaps of greatest interest are the three live duets between Suba and JP, explorations of sound and form that are among his most adventurous pieces; while rhythm is an important part, these duets are more abstract than Suba's polished studio work. And his studio work that is here, generally in mixes by others, is glorious -- the treatments of "Felicidade" (all three of them) show what Suba did with it in the first place, while Cibelle's remake of "Sereia, Amor d'Água" is a sultry, sexy joy. There are also tributes, of course, and "Nightly Sins," with its spoken samples, is a standout among them. Finally, there are two Suba studio tracks, both collaborations, with "Are You Sleeping?" almost ghostly in its nighttime chill -- an inspired piece of work. Most tributes try hard to capture the essence of an artist; this one succeeds.

© Chris Nickson /TiVo