Nigel Wood is impressed by Céu.

CÉU

Céu

Six Degrees

****

With a background in the Brazilian classics and the open mind characteristic of the musical scene in her native São Paulo, singer-songwriter Maria do Céu Whitaker Poças has concocted a remarkably confident and sure-footed debut album that has already done good business Stateside.

Blending samba with dub, jazz-funk and laid-back hip-hop beats, and garnishing the recipe with streaks of electronica, this is a very tasty dish indeed.

CéU's voice is warm and sensuous in the best Brazilian tradition, and she rides the rhythms with assurance and perfect poise. From the sensuous dub-funk of Lendato the jazzy horns of Rainha, and an affecting version of Bob Marley's Concrete Jungle, this is high-quality stuff.

Young and lovely, she swings so cool - this album could add some seductive spice to your summer. Now where's the sun?

[ www.ceumusic.comOpens in new window ]

NIGEL WOOD

Download tracks: Lenda, Rainha, Concrete Jungle