Album Notes

Norma Blase is a singer, guitarist, composer, lyricist and writer. She is also an intuitive healer who uses music as a healing agent. In her mid-twenties she moved from her hometown of New York City to the San Francisco Bay Area. Involved in research about touch and consciousness, she was introduced to the classic bossa novas of Tom Jobim, João Gilberto, Vinícius de Moraes, and their compatriots. The melodies, harmonies, and rhythms of the music, and the poetic dimension of the lyrics, the musicality of the Portuguese language, all spoke to her profoundly.

This music became a lifetime fascination, an ongoing exploration, and a source of pleasure, solace, and inspiration. Along the way she has benefited from the opportunity to learn from and perform with many world-class musicians. This album is her "obrigada" ("thank you") to the rich collective soul of Brazil, and her gift to those who would like to step into it with her, into a fantasy in a world of sound.


"After listening carefully to the music in this CD, I can say that I am very happy to hear how Norma Blase has paid a beautiful tribute to the music of my country. The field of Brazilian music is crowded with all kinds of releases, some more successful than others. I applaud Norma for choosing to focus on the more ethereal and delicate aspects of the music. Starting with the choice of material, featuring composers like Rosa Passos, Dori Caymmi, Egberto Gismonti and Toninho Horta, alongside some lesser-known gems by Jobim and the Luiz Bonfá standard "Manhã de Carnaval."

Norma has a very soft vocal style of delivery, which fits the music very well. She has learned the Portuguese very well, but most important is how she has incorporated the flow and the energy of each piece, whether singing in Portuguese or in English. Her choice of sidemen was excellent. Carlos Oliveira and Aliéksey Viana are both master guitarists, and their interplay is a joy to listen to. Michael Spiro knows very well how to mix in the grooves and the effects with his percussion. The featured solos by Sheldon
Brown blend in perfectly with the music. Adriano Faquini's co-production and background vocals are instrumental in achieving the subtle and delicate sound which greets the listeners.

This is a perfect record to relax to. Even if you cannot understand the Portuguese, you will undoubtedly feel the pull of the music, drawing you to a dreamy state where deep harmonies, flowing grooves and a lyrical outlook on life give the rules. Congratulations, Norma, for capturing the spirit of the music and passing it on to the rest of us!"

Jovino Santos Neto, Seattle, 2004


Latin Grammy nominee Jovino Santos Neto is a Brazilian-born pianist, flutist and composer who moved in 1991 from his hometown of Rio de Janeiro to Seattle, after spending 15 years playing in the ensemble led by the legendary Hermeto Pascoal.


"It's so nice to hear that somebody in America is recording my music. Very rich, very beautiful." Dori Caymmi

"Soulful. Full of tender delicacy. She sings the lyrics so well. So tasteful. Simplicity to the best possible effect. I'm gonna take it home and dance to it. I adore this CD, I adore it." Mark Murphy

"Her heart is totally open." Patti Cathcart ("Tuck and Patti")

"I really enjoy her music." Paulo Bellinati

"She can sing with Hermeto." Airto Moreira



www.normablase.com