An exciting new group of artists, with a new CD, comes across my desk. This is the full “commitment” thing. They wrote half the songs, did all the arrangements, recorded the album, paid for it all, printed the booklets, pressed the CD’s and do much of their own promotion. Luckily now, they are signed to MGM, so we can all avail ourselves of this great new Latin American style group.
“They” are The View From Madeleine’s Couch, which is really a Brisbane based song-writing and arranging duo comprising Kym Ambrose and Anje West, with guest musicians making up a band of seven pieces, and then also filled out with strings on some tracks.
Lovers of the Antonio Carlos Jobim repertoire will fall head-over-heels for this album. The songs are not copies of Jobim’s style, however there are distinct influences. Also, listeners may be reminded of Astrud Gilberto and Maria Toledo when they hear Anje West’s singing style. But we have an updated sound here, with updated arrangements, whilst still retaining classic authentic Brazilian and other South American rhythms.
Another striking feature is the imaginative use of vibraphone and its clever integration with the band and the vocals. The Luiz Bonfa style of guitar work is also purely authentic and adds further to the captivating and stylish way in which this album presents.
Tracks include Historia do Samba, Berimbau, Anos Dourados (Jobim), Eu so Quero Um Xodo, Fato Consumado and five originals, all of which are excellent.
As for venues: lunchtime cafes and restaurants, sophisticated dinners and late night. Visit the group’s site: www.madeleinescouch.com.au to find out more.
Tony’s rating: 4 stars
First published in Eat Drink Magazine, Dec 2005