by Matt Collar
Nara Leão's vocal style is reminiscent of Elis Regina, slightly breathy and well-articulated. Her self-titled album is a rather bizarre entry in the Brazilian tropicalia vein -- bizarre for its conventionality. Featuring full orchestral arrangements, the album waxes '60s pop one minute and '30s waltz the next, while always remaining cleanly and immaculately produced. Yet there is a classicist feel to the record, with the traditional Brazilian fare remaining very conservative compared to other tropicalia artists such as &Os Mutantes.& The first track &Lindonéia& is a tango-influenced bossa nova written by Brazilian legend Caetano Veloso, whose songs are peppered throughout. The horn and flute accents on &Quem É& might remind some pop culture junkies of the theme to the game show Match Game. &Anoiteceu& is that particular brand of mid-'60s bossa nova often associated with jet-setting love affairs and seaside roadways. One of the true joys of the album, though, has to be the cover photo -- sans any print -- of Leão reclining on an orange Turkish rug and wearing a purple cotton shirt, with a far-off look on her face.