ROMERO LUBAMBO & PAMELA DRIGGS

CHRISTMASTIME IN RIO

Sunnyside Records

Romero Lubambo, guitar/percussion; Pamela Driggs, lead & background vocals; Peter Martin, piano; Vitor Goncalves, accordion; Joe Locke, vibraphone; Itaiguara Brandao, bass; Rafael Barata, drums.

This is an easy-listening album of holiday music. It is rooted in Brazilian music, inspired by guitarist Romero Lubambo and Pamela Driggs, who has soft, smooth vocals that float like a lovely cloud above the tracks, to capture the joy of the season.  They open with the familiar “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

On the Bill Driggs composition, “Holiday of Love” the Latin flavor is enhanced by the accordion of Victor Goncalves and the drums of Rafael Barata.  Next, Pamela Driggs sings the beautiful lyrics of Alan and Marilyn Bergman on this Johnny Mandel composition, “Christmas Love Song.”

Romero & Pamela offer twelve Christmas songs for our pleasure and enjoyment.  Some are familiar to my ear and others are fresh like the Brazilian holiday song called, “Presente de Natal” by Nelcy Noronha.  What a wonderful song!

Another song I’d like to mention is one that Pamela Driggs and Romero Lubambo have composed titled, “Winter Reverie.” It’s a lovely tune with great chord changes, a pretty melody, along with lyrics sweet as peppermint candy canes.  This is an album perfect for any holiday collection.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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