Boasting 14 tracks by some of Brazil's best and new jazz acts, Jazzilia is a bossa-nova monster in every sense of the word. Although it might not be as accessible as the truly brilliant Bossa and Stones series, which came out a couple of years ago, if you are into cool and sexy electro-bossa nova and Brazilian beats then it is worth investigating.

1. Feeling Carioca "Bikini Talks"
2. Brazuka Fina "Samba Ti Samba Eu"
3. Zambe "Azymuth"
4. Pepe Barcellos "Todo Mundo Quer Ser Brasileiro"
5. Ren Ferrer "Rio"
6. Dora Vergueiro "Daquele Jeito"
7. Armando Marcal "Lado a Lado"
8. Feeling Carioca "My Daily Trip"
9. Zambe "Ladeiro do Samba"
10. Armando Marcal "Festa na Aldeia"
11. Trinca "As Afrikas"
12. Brazuka Fina "Chorar Pra Que"
13. Armando Marcal "Sorri Pra Nos"
14. Samba Um "Saravadum (instrumental mix)"

It's cool and sexy, and the perfecting musical soundtrack to an ice-cool Martini, while you and your loved one are sitting on the beach, waiting for the sun to set. Very few of the tracks are what you would call "clubbable" dance tunes, and most are just great chill-out songs, like "My Daily Trip" by Feeling Carioca. The final tune "Saravadum" by Samba Um actually has the fastest tempo and would be a great track to dance the night away.

Some of the acoustic guitar work on this CD is well-worth listening to, particularly on the light and breezy "Rio" by Ren Ferrer. The Latin percussionist and reggae vibes on "Daquele Jeito" by Dora Vergueiro will please any fans of the warhorse which is "Girl From Ipanema".

Jazzilia is a fine collection of Latin American chill-out music, but as I said, if you are not deeply into this scene, you may want to look elsewhere for an introduction before checking this one out. It's also a great summertime record.

~ Jamie Hailstone

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