by Scott Yanow
Tania Maria's second Concord release (which, as with her other output, has been reissued on CD) is still one of her best sets. The repertoire -- five of her originals, "Imagine," and "Cry Me a River" -- is diverse; the band (a sextet with two percussionists and guitarist Eddie Duran) is excellent and there is plenty of space for Maria's keyboard work in addition to her exuberant vocals. Throughout the set of Brazilian jazz-pop, Tania Maria is heard in prime form, making this an excellent introduction to her enthusiastic music.