Clara Nunes - Comvida (CD)

All Music Guide

When Clara Nunes died in 1982, her passing affected Brazil in much the same way the deaths of John Lennon and Nat King Cole hit Americans -- that's how loved the samba legend was. Depending on one's point of view, this collection of so-called "duets" can be considered either a heartfelt tribute to Nunes or a cheap and deceptive exploitation. The use of overdubbing and electronic manipulation makes it sound as though Nunes is performing "duets" with fellow Brazilian greats ranging from Gilberto Gil to Joao Bosco to Nana Caymii, but in fact, these interactions never took place. Hemisphere very well have had the best of intentions when assembling this collection -- which is, to be sure, quite enjoyable -- but it's hard to get past the element of deception.

- Alex Henderson, All Music Guide