Delia Fischer: Beyond Bossa

This album marks the first time Delia Fischer has recorded her original repertoire for an international audience, featuring English lyrics co-written with collaborators such as Camila Costa, Carlos Careqa, and Claudio Botelho. These songs are reimagined by American composer, pianist, and jazz journalist Allen Morrison, who worked closely with Fischer to adapt the lyrics while maintaining the essence of the original Portuguese versions. The album brings together a host of Brazilian and international performers from diverse genres, creating a vibrant and deeply emotional journey that transcends the boundaries of traditional bossa nova.

The album builds on the musical qualities present in Tempo M'nimo (2019) and Hpje (2021)—the latter earning her a second Latin Grammy nomination—while showcasing her development as an artist. The album's depth is amplified by an impressive lineup of collaborators, a diverse group of renowned musicians from three continents. Among them are legendary figures such as Marcos Valle, a founding figure of bossa nova whose influence extends into genres like samba, MPB (Música Popular Brasileira), and jazz; Luciana Souza, a Grammy-nominated Brazilian jazz singer based in the U.S. known for her compelling vocal artistry; and Gretchen Parlato, an American jazz singer whose soft, intimate vocal style has earned her international acclaim.

The album also features the exceptional Brazilian jazz guitarist Chico Pinheiro, who is celebrated for his intricate, harmonically rich playing. His work has garnered admiration from the likes of Esperanza Spalding and Brad Mehldau. The iconic vocal ensemble New York Voices, renowned for their sophisticated harmonies and wide-ranging repertoire, also lends their talents to this project. Another standout is Mario Biondi, the deep-voiced Italian soul singer who is often compared to Barry White for his rich timbre and has enjoyed success across Europe and beyond. The luminescent string arrangements of Eugene Friesen, a Grammy-winning cellist known for his collaborations with the Paul Winter Consort, further enrich the album's soundscape, adding an orchestral layer to the songs.

Closer to home, Matias Correa, a talented carioca bassist and singer, makes a poignant contribution, singing beautifully on "Song of Self-Affirmation." Brazilian singer and songwriter Márcio Nucci, who composed the unforgettable "What Good is Summer?"—a reflective bossa nova ballad—duets with Fischer in an especially memorable performance.

The diversity of talent is also reflected in the album's instrumental arrangements. From the enchanted woodwinds and driving percussion on "My Time" and "Lemon Jugglers of Rio" to the sinister synths and relentless percussion on "Marketplace," the album's sonic palette is wide-ranging yet cohesive. Otherworldly strings and effects on "My Voice in Your Head" showcase the skill of the musicians and the artistic vision of the arrangers, transforming each track into a unique sonic experience.

Delia Fischer: Beyond Bossa is a deeply emotional and introspective album, exploring themes such as the passing of time, memory, and the profound experiences that define our humanity. Fischer's poetic songwriting is brought to life in new ways through these English versions, which honor the spirit of the original Portuguese lyrics while offering fresh, engaging narratives in an American vernacular. Morrison's English adaptations strike a delicate balance, allowing the lyrical content to resonate with an international audience without losing the essence of Fischer's Brazilian roots.

While the album includes one traditional bossa nova ballad—"What Good is Summer?"—the remainder is a rich exploration of the diverse sounds and rhythms of Brazil in 2024. The album is filled with the joy, complexity, and emotional depth that characterize modern Brazilian music, yet it ventures beyond the confines of bossa nova, creating something entirely unique.

Delia Fischer, a pianist, singer, composer, and musical director from Rio de Janeiro, has had a storied career that spans over four decades. Twice nominated for a Latin Grammy, she has released numerous albums, continually evolving as an artist. With Delia Fischer: Beyond Bossa, she celebrates both her 60th birthday and 40 years of musical exploration, expanding her reach by bridging cultural gaps and offering new interpretations of Brazilian music to an international audience. "My desire to communicate through music has always been there," Fischer says. "But after I started writing lyrics, that desire grew even stronger. This album feels like a return to my roots: music as the guiding thread, now paired with words, aiming to show the world what Brazilian music is today. And I was lucky enough to collaborate with the best musicians, singers, and producers I could have ever dreamed of."

The collaboration between Fischer and Allen Morrison was sparked after Morrison's glowing five-star review of her work in DownBeat magazine in 2019. Captivated by her poetic, sophisticated compositions, Morrison and Fischer set out to create English versions that maintained the essence of the original Portuguese lyrics while telling compelling stories that would resonate with an international audience. Simultaneously, Fischer reworked the instrumental arrangements, recording with an inspired selection of guest artists. The result is an album that is as rich in its musicianship as it is in emotion, featuring collaborations with some of the most respected names in Brazilian and international music.

Marcos Valle, who contributed his signature swing to "Workaholic," a new version of his 1970s classic "Garra," says, "I love the arrangement Delia created. She sings in English, I sing in Portuguese, and the result is something very special and interesting." Valle's contributions continue to remind listeners of his pioneering role in shaping the sound of bossa nova and his enduring relevance in modern Brazilian music.