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Otro Lugar is as good an example as any of the global nature of new bossa nova. Tomaz Di Cunto, aka Toco is a Brazilian singer songwriter from São Paulo, the album was recorded in Rio with the help of some local talent, it was produced by the Italian S-Tone, features French vocalist Coralie Clement and was mixed in Milan.

Unlike most new bossa albums that seek to assert their freshness through electronic sounds Otro Lugar retains a warm and acoustic feel. Toco’s smooth voice is a pleasant listen and the influence of Roberto Menescal, who played guitar on each track is clear and welcomed. Rossalia De Souza’s gentle backing vocals appear throughout the album and also deserve a mention.

Highlights include a cuica infused Samba Jazz cover of ‘Zum Zum’ featuring Joao Donato’s son Donatinho on keyboard, the laid back Afro-influenced ‘Voz de Lapa’ and the more traditional sounds of ‘Bom Motivo’.

Whether Toco has really added anything to this history soaked genre I have yet to decide — regardless of that it’s a fun and easy listen.

Track Listing:
1. Outro Lugar
2. Litorai
3. Zum Zum
4. Assuntos Banais
5. Bom Motivo
6. Samba Noir
7. Barracao
8. Voz Da Lapa
9. Guarapiranga
10. Contradicao
11. Simples
12. Foolish Samba