... an active band performing Bossa Nova, MPB, samba-jazz and baion. O Som Do Jazz is a Brazilian group based in the Tampa Bay area.
For more information about O Som Do Jazz, see www.osomdojazz.com . For bookings and special events: mansond@spcollege.edu
Musica Brasileira review:
"The story might seem familiar to some: Brazilian singer meets U.S. musician, fall in love and create music. That is what happened in 2000, when Andrea Moraes moved from Rio de Janeiro to St. Petersburg, Florida. Two years later, she married David Manson. An architect by trade, Andrea possesses a naturally pleasing voice just made for Bossa Nova singing. Though reluctant to perform as a singer at first, Andrea gave in and joined O Som do Jazz as its main vocalist for Infinita Bossa, an album that proudly celebrates 50 years of Bossa Nova.
With a classic repertoire of Bossa Nova music, the group does not shy away from expanding that horizon and including more contemporary bossas by Antônio Carlos & Jocafi, Djavan and Pedro Caetano among giants Tom Jobim, Vinícius de Moraes, Carlos Lyra, Marcos Valle, Baden Powell, Luiz Bonfá. There is even an original by David Manson showing the group's true affinity to Brazilian Bossa Nova. WIth simple arrangements and a good mixture of solos exhibiting the fine musicians in the group, Infinita Bossa is a nice collection that praises Bossa Nova and its haunting melodies and soothing sounds. Even Rita Lee's pop "Caso Sério" is treated here to an acoustic guitar and voice rendition." - Egídio Leitão, May 2008
Global Groove Connection review:
"Andrea Moraes Manson's vocals have more of a jazz inflection that emanates a sun-baked tangible vibe in stark opposition to the conventional airy and ethereal voice associated with female bossa sirens. The arrangements, on the other hand, are in keeping with tradition, subtle in striking just the right balance between vocals and instrumentation -- that quintessentially Carioca sway that's been nurtured since the birth of bossa 50 years ago this year. Not to be overlooked are the able musicians who participated in the recording. Roberto Bertone (drums), Ademar Fonseca (bass), Régis Moreira (keyboards), Jeremy Powell (sax), John Ward (flute), and the Alfredo Rivero, who's beautifully nuanced guitar work kept the cadence in check. O Som Do Jazz does bossa nova the right way without getting lost in musical clichés." - Lissette Corsa, June 2008
Dusty Groove review:
"A really classic-styled session of Brazilian jazz vocals --of the sort that takes us back to late 60s work by singers like Elis Regina or Leny Andrade! The instrumentation is quite warm and all acoustic -- jazzy flute, sax, guitar, keyboards, and trombone. Andrea Moraes Manson sings lead vocals on the set -- with a quality that's light, but never thin or too airy -- just the right sort of 60s bossa mode to please our ears, and a style that few American recordings ever get right! Production is great too, with just the right balance of warmth to remind us of the old days -- and none of the too-bright or too-clear tones that can sometimes mar a modern bossa effort."
about the band:
As a working band, O Som Do Jazz has performed at the Pensacola JazzFest, Salvador Dali Museum, Historic Asolo Theatre, Jazz Brasil, Brail Arts Festival and at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, among others. The band enjoys audiences that sing and dance with them. "I know that American audiences are being respectful when they quietly listen to us in concert, but I always encourage Brazilians in the audience to move and sing along with us. Then the Americans join in. Music is too powerful a force to be a passive participant." says Andrea.