Saudade, the new exhaustively marketed major label debut by Brazilian guitarist Plínio Fernandes, must merit the hype if I’m willing to forgive the inclusion of an interpretation of “The Girl from Ipanema,” the Antônio Carlos Jobim composition that rivals “Kansas City,” “Mustang Sally” and “Hallelujah” as a song that usually sends me fleeing for the exit.
Sentimental readings of familiar melodies define the artful easy listening album. I wholeheartedly embrace Fernandes’ sappy take on selections including "Beatriz". An appearance by cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason is particularly treacly. And I like it.
Maria Rita’s lovely vocals on “O Mundo É Um Moinho” don’t require an apology. And while it’s almost as overplayed as “The Girl from Ipanema,” I never tire of Jobim’s “Águas De Março.” Until the summer heat gives way to brisk fall weather, Saudade may override my fixation on Ghosted, the thorny 2022 release by the similarly masterful guitarist Oren Ambarchi.