Kristine Mills – BOSSAtoo
(InkWell Publishing)
Released – October 9, 2015
Singer/songwriter Kristine Mills is no stranger to latin rhythms. The title, she says, doesn’t suggest a second album of bossa beats, but rather, the range of possibilities within the genre.
An award-winning songwriter, it’s no surprise that originals dominate this set, surrounding Sting’s “It’s Probably Me,” and a pair of Jobim classics – “Meditation,” and “Inutil Paisagem,” better known by its English title, “If You Never Come To Me.”
Regarding “Meditation” – Ms. Mills says she chose to interpret the lyrics not with a departing lover, but instead, “What if the lover in ‘Meditation’ wasn’t just going away, but passed away, and the surviving lover was singing this song at (the) funeral?”
The result is a beautifully unique and haunting rendition of a lyric you’ve heard countless times before – and to my thinking, easily scores as best track of the set.
Ms. Mills collaboration with Brian Spack leads to a pair of originals that stand out – a wistful “Silhouette,” and a remake of their own “Burden Of Choice,” with a sassy Bossa beat.
Surrounded by top-notch Brazilian talent – Klaus Mueller on Piano and arrangements, Itaiguara Brandão on guitar and bass; with the beat driven by drummer Porthino and Percussionist Rafael Barata, this sixth album from Kristine Mills is her best work yet, and is highly recommended. (Photography – Moris Malakoff)
Highlighted tracks will be added to the playlist at 62ndStreet.com radio.