Paulinho Garcia “My Very Life” Review

By: Dr. Matt Warnock

My Very Life CD by Paulinho Garcia

My Very Life is a collection of original compositions by Brazilian native Paulinho Garcia which reflect the wide-range of musical styles found in Brazil.

While many people may be familiar with the Bossa Nova, especially the work of master composer-performer Antonio Carlos Jobim, Garcia draws from the lesser known baião, chorinho, choro and marcha rancho grooves to produce an album that is as enjoyable to listen to as it is to get up and dance to. My Very Life is the fourth release under the Chicago Sessions label, which releases a new CD of original material from a featured Chicago artist every month.

Garcia’s singing and guitar work on the album is exceptional. Drawing from his Brazilian background, Garcia is able to weave in and out of different grooves with the greatest of ease. Though many non-Brazilian guitarists can play convincingly in the Brazilian style, Garcia brings a level of authenticity to each groove and tune that is rarely found this side of the equator. Tunes such as “I’ll be Calling for Maria” showcase Garcia’s ability to properly anticipate each new chord, while maintaining a laid-back feel that eases each transition without ever feeling rushed or hurried.

This strong sense of groove is further accentuated during the vocal sections of tunes such as “E Quando…” where Garcia’s vocal line and guitar chords meld together to become one instrument. Apart from the melody sections, Garcia also contributes several memorable improvised vocal solos. His solo on “Cintura Fina” bridges the gap between the soft timbres of the human voice and the acrobatic melodic lines of a saxophone, providing the perfect link between the opening and closing melody sections of the tune.

While Garcia is the leader of this recording the band he has chosen is made up of highly-gifted musicians that bring with them a wealth of experience to the ensemble. Of note are the two percussionists Geraldo De Oliveira and Heitor Garcia. Each is a skilled multi-instrumentalist that always knows the right moment to lay back and groove and when it is time to step forward and drive the band into new realms of creativity and interaction.

Not to be outdone, guitarist Michael Allemana delivers a solo on the tune “Chorinho Novo” that is at once an homage to the great American bebop guitarists while at the same time fitting in perfectly within the groove, style and intention of the song.

My Very Life is an exceptional album that is written and performed by exceptional musicians. The only downside to the recording is that it can only be obtained by joining the Chicago Sessions subscription service and is not available through the normal distribution channels. While the subscription may seem like an odd way of purchasing new music, it is albums such as this that make it well worth the cost of signing up.