Reviews
I'll start this review with a Portuguese word for Carla Hassett. The word is "Obrigado!" which means "Thank you!" Her well-executed music is something we should all be grateful for. Carla's second album, "Quero Saber," is highly original with the exception of an innovative cover arrangement of Lennon and McCartney's "Julia" that is given a personal touch with bossa nova rhythm and original Portuguese lyrics. Besides her resonant and sensuous vocalizing, the project has Mike Patton singing a breathy duet in "Julia," and Liquid Delvin Delux rapping in the mix of "Over You." Expressive and rhythmically enticing, Carla can be breezily romantic in one song and soulfully flamboyant the next. --Talent On Display
Carla's Vocal Artistry
Brazil seems to have an endless supply of great musicians. Carla Rigolin Hassett is yet
another name to add to the list. Her latest CD, titled Quero Saber (I Want to know), has an
excellent collection of contemporary Brazilian songs.Carla composes a lot of her material
and likes to experiment with her vocals, using overdubs and a wide range of effects. She
also likes cool electronics. In addition to guitar, Carla plays keyboards and programs electronic
sounds. And she also features electric violin wizard Jerry Goodman, who plays a terrific solo.
Quero Saber combines MPB, hip hop, Brazilian folk, jazz, the ubiquitous reggaeton and
contemporary bossa nova. When singing in English, Carla Hassett sounds surprisingly similar
to Flora Purim, although her use of vocal effects gives a very current sound.
Carla Hassett may not have the support of major labels or large indies, but she has proven to
be an important artist in Brazilian contemporary music. --World Music Central
Carla Hassett has created a beautiful CD. Partly sung in Portuguese, the South American rhythms along with Carla's expressive voice make this a CD that transcends language. Her cover of the Beatles "Julia" is just gorgeous. --The Promise Live365.com
Born in Brazil, raised in the U.S. and now based in Los Angeles, Carla Hassett has sung background for acts ranging from Sergio Mendez to REO Speedwagon. An ear for hooks is apparent on her first full-length album, which features 11 breezy, Brazilian-flavored tracks sung in English and Portuguese. With touches of samba, bossa, Bahia as well as a lot of straight-ahead pop, this disc sounds custom-designed to play in your local coffeehouse on a summer afternoon. Hassett, who also plays guitar and programs some of the beats, has a smoky voice and eclectic taste in songs: Mike Patton guests on a bossa-fied and bilingual take on the Beatles "Julia"; "Mulato Casado" and "Abusou" are energetic bursts of samba; and the choruses of "Over You" and "Not Real love" sound ripped from the Christina Aguilera songbook. While casting a wide net, Hassett manages to synthesize it all into a fun, lightweight, sunny album. --Global Rhythm Magazine
Lush instrumentation, catchy vocal hooks and contemporary rhythms are the qualities that bind this diverse album and separate it from the multitudes of contemporary music that foray into Brazilian jazz. Gorgeous chants in English and Portuguese are arranged with acoustic guitar and electronic beats and samples, creating a refreshing, funky palate of loungy classics, original material and creative, beat-heavy covers. If you enjoy Bebel Gilberto in doses but yearn for the musical moxie of alternative artists, Carla Hassett might just be your favorite find of this year. --World Pulse Magazine
Although Carla Hasset's new album Quero Saber emphasizes her Brazilian roots, this bilingual recording will also be enjoyed by the American audience. With beautiful English and Portuguese chants, accompanied by acoustic guitar and blended with computer samples and beats, Carla Hassett offers a diverse album from beginning to end. Each song shows a different emotion and tone, constantly changing how the listener wants to interpret Hasset's music. On songs, such as the opening track "What I'm Living For (Seu Amor)," joy and celebration are obvious, while the title track expresses mystery and confusion augmented by a breath-taking solo from renowned electric- violinist Jerry Goodman. The listener is rewarded by even more guest appearances, including the vocal talents of Mike Patton (Faith No More, Peeping Tom) on the relaxed "Julia."
Review by: Andrew Schwartz for The Rockit newspaper
CARLA HASSETT/Quero Saber: LA gal by way of Brazil is as eclectic in her music and outlook as you could ever expect. With guest diverse as Jerry Goodman and Mike Patton lending a hand, this do it all performer let's her jazzy, Brazilian roots show proudly, but there more to her than that. An MVP player in LA musical affairs seemingly no matter what the genre or mode, when she focuses the beam on herself, you get quite a show. Bringing a lot of depth to the fore, this is a top notch effort that's a pure musical treat from start to finish. Certainly if Babel Gilberto has turned your head, Hassett will continue to set you swiveling. ÐMidwest Record
URB Magazine
I'm impressed with songwriters who can write in multiple languages and still manage to keep their music authentic, and Carla Hassett achieves that on her sophomore effort Quero Saber, which is in both English and Portuguese. Like always, it's a daring move to cover a Beatles song, though Hassett pulls it off with grace on "Julia" in which Mike Patton joins her on vocals for her bi-lingual version of the song. Though most of the album's tracks are very loungy and classically styled, standout tracks are the more upbeat contemporaries. "Over You" features seductive sounding raps by Liquid Delvin Deluxe which add emphasis Hassett's choruses repeating "All I want is to fade into the night with you my baby." "Abusou" closes the album and starts off with a slow intro, and breaks into a poppy-dancehallish rhythm, which is an unexpected delight. Carla Hassett will no doubt gain well-deserved attention with Quero Saber. Reviewer: Elisa Padilla
See and Hear Brazil's Gilberto Gil in the US Before He Retires
Then, Carla Hassett goes in a completely different direction [than Gil] on her latest disc, Quero Saber (I Want To Know, Paulista Records). Clearly drawing influence from Flora Purim, she sings mostly original material in English and in Portuguese.
The album opens with a bass riff that reminds you of The Beatles' "Come Together" that evolves into a funky beat. Listen to the clever cover of "Julia" , a song written by John Lennon for the Beatles' White Album. Here she gives the tune a Portuguese lyric that is intertwined with English. For more information, visit www.CarlaMusic.com. Written by Ernest Barteldes for Brazzil Magazine
Having recorded or performed with Norah Jones, Billy Idol and Jon
Anderson, you would have high expectations of this Brazil born singer
songwriter. She more than meets them, from the first restrain of the
electronic fueled light funk of "Not Real Love." Slickly produced by Carla
herself, the music has catchy hooks but in a less pretentious way than most
pop divas. Her sultry but emotive voice is the focal point but she obviously
used her talents in all facets of this debut.--Indie-Music.com
Carla Hassett has played with Billy Idol, Jon Anderson (Yes), Sergio Mendez and others, but First is her solo debut. She sounds soulless and primed for a major label contract here, so First has probably succeeded -- she knows what the biz wants, and her industry contacts (including the session musicians featured here) are only enhanced by her location (she's based in Hollywood) and extra-curricular activities. You see, Hassett hosts the LA chapter of Chick Singer Night and teaches at Silverlake Conservatory of Music (owned by Flea!).
The only thing that makes First palatable is the idea that, although Hassett is positioned as a ready-made pop singer, she did all the positioning herself. There are no hidden producers, songwriters or image teams. The music itself is heavily produced lounge pop, influenced by the rhythms of her native Brazil and by the urban folk of singers like Nelly Furtado and Beth Orton. Songs like "Phoenix" and "Wish I Stayed" showcase her voice and stay away from overpowering arrangements, relying on subtle instrumentation to accompany the simple melodies. Opener "Not Real Love" and "Candy" offer beat-heavy pop, while closer "Tao Legal", the EP's most interesting song, incorporates bossa nova percussion and guitar work, as well as Hassett's vocals -- in Portuguese!
First is a confident first step, but if Hassett wants respect, she'd do well to follow her own unique vision and influences instead of pandering to the suits. -- Andrew Mall/Splendid Mag
"And more divas...
Martha Wainwright, Carla Hassett, Alana Davis, and mucho mas
Appropriately titled, First is singer/songwriter Carla Hassett's debut EP. She has previously toured as a backup singer with Billy Idol, Sergio Mendez, and REO Speedwagon before diving into producing her own music. Comprised of five songs, First ebbs and flows with world-pop textures, rock, and rhythms inspired by her native Brazil. This is intelligent chill/lounge pop, sliding into smooth jazz that encourages the listener to relax and unwind. While very well recorded and well produced, the only fault to an otherwise impressive first effort is that melody is often sacrificed for the prominent percussion. The lyrics seem to need more sonic space to be fully appreciated. Fortunately, the grooves change and evolve, and her good vocal performances keep the music from becoming repetitive and fading into background. On the whole, a very pleasant listen."
-Anna Pomeroy / OutSmart Mag
VH1 Save The Music "Song of the Year" suggested artist March 2005
"One of those background babes that's made so much happen for so many others shines the light on herself with a set that harks back to her Brazil roots but it as in step with this day and age as Bebel Gilberto. This ep that kicks things of under her own name is sure to have yu scratching your head over where you've heard her before. Well, about everywhere. A tasty set that kicks off a solo career that should start getting hot."--Chris Spector/Midwest Record Recap
"exudes cool...a solid project with a couple of brilliant tracks."--The Critical Review
"First" is a 5-song EP and, just like dessert, is short, sweet, hot and just a little bit sassy as the singer blends her Brazilian roots with American jazz and pop." --Nexus (taken from a column with a Food & Cooking theme; there were other CDs selected for appetizer and main course, with First chosen as dessert.
"Having toured or recorded with the likes of Michael Buble, Billy Idol, Thomas Dolby, Mark Snow (X-Files people!), and Gino Vannelli among others, Carla Hassett is no stranger to talented individuals or fame. She better get used to it even more with this EPs strong songs that tilt in a decided Brazilian slant as she mixes in worldbeat, singer/songwriter rock, and popÕs mastery of catchiness." -- J-Sin / Smother.net
"This is one of my favorite CDs yet this year-it gets the PICK of this issue for -most original music-, as well as MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating! GREAT stuff, a definite KEEPER!" --Improvijazzation
"Great lyrics and a truly awesome singing voice
kept me playing this song over and over." -- The Global Muse
"She's definitely ready [for a major label deal]." -- indie-music.com
"captivating."-- Music Connection
"Carla Hassett's songs are solid." -- Listen.com
"Wow..incredible stuff." -- The Renegade Newsletter
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I'll start this review with a Portuguese word for Carla Hassett. The word is "Obrigado!" which means "Thank you!" Her well-executed music is something we should all be grateful for. Carla's second album, "Quero Saber," is highly original with the exception of an innovative cover arrangement of Lennon and McCartney's "Julia" that is given a personal touch with bossa nova rhythm and original Portuguese lyrics. Besides her resonant and sensuous vocalizing, the project has Mike Patton singing a breathy duet in "Julia," and Liquid Delvin Delux rapping in the mix of "Over You." Expressive and rhythmically enticing, Carla can be breezily romantic in one song and soulfully flamboyant the next. --Talent On Display Carla's Vocal Artistry Brazil seems to have an endless supply of great musicians. Carla Rigolin Hassett is yet another name to add to the list. Her latest CD, titled Quero Saber (I Want to know), has an excellent collection of contemporary Brazilian songs.Carla composes a lot of her material and likes to experiment with her vocals, using overdubs and a wide range of effects. She also likes cool electronics. In addition to guitar, Carla plays keyboards and programs electronic sounds. And she also features electric violin wizard Jerry Goodman, who plays a terrific solo. Quero Saber combines MPB, hip hop, Brazilian folk, jazz, the ubiquitous reggaeton and contemporary bossa nova. When singing in English, Carla Hassett sounds surprisingly similar to Flora Purim, although her use of vocal effects gives a very current sound. Carla Hassett may not have the support of major labels or large indies, but she has proven to be an important artist in Brazilian contemporary music. --World Music Central Carla Hassett has created a beautiful CD. Partly sung in Portuguese, the South American rhythms along with Carla's expressive voice make this a CD that transcends language. Her cover of the Beatles "Julia" is just gorgeous. --The Promise Live365.com Born in Brazil, raised in the U.S. and now based in Los Angeles, Carla Hassett has sung background for acts ranging from Sergio Mendez to REO Speedwagon. An ear for hooks is apparent on her first full-length album, which features 11 breezy, Brazilian-flavored tracks sung in English and Portuguese. With touches of samba, bossa, Bahia as well as a lot of straight-ahead pop, this disc sounds custom-designed to play in your local coffeehouse on a summer afternoon. Hassett, who also plays guitar and programs some of the beats, has a smoky voice and eclectic taste in songs: Mike Patton guests on a bossa-fied and bilingual take on the Beatles "Julia"; "Mulato Casado" and "Abusou" are energetic bursts of samba; and the choruses of "Over You" and "Not Real love" sound ripped from the Christina Aguilera songbook. While casting a wide net, Hassett manages to synthesize it all into a fun, lightweight, sunny album. --Global Rhythm Magazine Lush instrumentation, catchy vocal hooks and contemporary rhythms are the qualities that bind this diverse album and separate it from the multitudes of contemporary music that foray into Brazilian jazz. Gorgeous chants in English and Portuguese are arranged with acoustic guitar and electronic beats and samples, creating a refreshing, funky palate of loungy classics, original material and creative, beat-heavy covers. If you enjoy Bebel Gilberto in doses but yearn for the musical moxie of alternative artists, Carla Hassett might just be your favorite find of this year. --World Pulse Magazine Although Carla Hasset's new album Quero Saber emphasizes her Brazilian roots, this bilingual recording will also be enjoyed by the American audience. With beautiful English and Portuguese chants, accompanied by acoustic guitar and blended with computer samples and beats, Carla Hassett offers a diverse album from beginning to end. Each song shows a different emotion and tone, constantly changing how the listener wants to interpret Hasset's music. On songs, such as the opening track "What I'm Living For (Seu Amor)," joy and celebration are obvious, while the title track expresses mystery and confusion augmented by a breath-taking solo from renowned electric- violinist Jerry Goodman. The listener is rewarded by even more guest appearances, including the vocal talents of Mike Patton (Faith No More, Peeping Tom) on the relaxed "Julia." Review by: Andrew Schwartz for The Rockit newspaper CARLA HASSETT/Quero Saber: LA gal by way of Brazil is as eclectic in her music and outlook as you could ever expect. With guest diverse as Jerry Goodman and Mike Patton lending a hand, this do it all performer let's her jazzy, Brazilian roots show proudly, but there more to her than that. An MVP player in LA musical affairs seemingly no matter what the genre or mode, when she focuses the beam on herself, you get quite a show. Bringing a lot of depth to the fore, this is a top notch effort that's a pure musical treat from start to finish. Certainly if Babel Gilberto has turned your head, Hassett will continue to set you swiveling. ÐMidwest Record URB Magazine I'm impressed with songwriters who can write in multiple languages and still manage to keep their music authentic, and Carla Hassett achieves that on her sophomore effort Quero Saber, which is in both English and Portuguese. Like always, it's a daring move to cover a Beatles song, though Hassett pulls it off with grace on "Julia" in which Mike Patton joins her on vocals for her bi-lingual version of the song. Though most of the album's tracks are very loungy and classically styled, standout tracks are the more upbeat contemporaries. "Over You" features seductive sounding raps by Liquid Delvin Deluxe which add emphasis Hassett's choruses repeating "All I want is to fade into the night with you my baby." "Abusou" closes the album and starts off with a slow intro, and breaks into a poppy-dancehallish rhythm, which is an unexpected delight. Carla Hassett will no doubt gain well-deserved attention with Quero Saber. Reviewer: Elisa Padilla See and Hear Brazil's Gilberto Gil in the US Before He Retires Then, Carla Hassett goes in a completely different direction [than Gil] on her latest disc, Quero Saber (I Want To Know, Paulista Records). Clearly drawing influence from Flora Purim, she sings mostly original material in English and in Portuguese. The album opens with a bass riff that reminds you of The Beatles' "Come Together" that evolves into a funky beat. Listen to the clever cover of "Julia" , a song written by John Lennon for the Beatles' White Album. Here she gives the tune a Portuguese lyric that is intertwined with English. For more information, visit www.CarlaMusic.com. Written by Ernest Barteldes for Brazzil Magazine Having recorded or performed with Norah Jones, Billy Idol and Jon Anderson, you would have high expectations of this Brazil born singer songwriter. She more than meets them, from the first restrain of the electronic fueled light funk of "Not Real Love." Slickly produced by Carla herself, the music has catchy hooks but in a less pretentious way than most pop divas. Her sultry but emotive voice is the focal point but she obviously used her talents in all facets of this debut.--Indie-Music.com Carla Hassett has played with Billy Idol, Jon Anderson (Yes), Sergio Mendez and others, but First is her solo debut. She sounds soulless and primed for a major label contract here, so First has probably succeeded -- she knows what the biz wants, and her industry contacts (including the session musicians featured here) are only enhanced by her location (she's based in Hollywood) and extra-curricular activities. You see, Hassett hosts the LA chapter of Chick Singer Night and teaches at Silverlake Conservatory of Music (owned by Flea!). The only thing that makes First palatable is the idea that, although Hassett is positioned as a ready-made pop singer, she did all the positioning herself. There are no hidden producers, songwriters or image teams. The music itself is heavily produced lounge pop, influenced by the rhythms of her native Brazil and by the urban folk of singers like Nelly Furtado and Beth Orton. Songs like "Phoenix" and "Wish I Stayed" showcase her voice and stay away from overpowering arrangements, relying on subtle instrumentation to accompany the simple melodies. Opener "Not Real Love" and "Candy" offer beat-heavy pop, while closer "Tao Legal", the EP's most interesting song, incorporates bossa nova percussion and guitar work, as well as Hassett's vocals -- in Portuguese! First is a confident first step, but if Hassett wants respect, she'd do well to follow her own unique vision and influences instead of pandering to the suits. -- Andrew Mall/Splendid Mag "And more divas... Martha Wainwright, Carla Hassett, Alana Davis, and mucho mas Appropriately titled, First is singer/songwriter Carla Hassett's debut EP. She has previously toured as a backup singer with Billy Idol, Sergio Mendez, and REO Speedwagon before diving into producing her own music. Comprised of five songs, First ebbs and flows with world-pop textures, rock, and rhythms inspired by her native Brazil. This is intelligent chill/lounge pop, sliding into smooth jazz that encourages the listener to relax and unwind. While very well recorded and well produced, the only fault to an otherwise impressive first effort is that melody is often sacrificed for the prominent percussion. The lyrics seem to need more sonic space to be fully appreciated. Fortunately, the grooves change and evolve, and her good vocal performances keep the music from becoming repetitive and fading into background. On the whole, a very pleasant listen." -Anna Pomeroy / OutSmart Mag VH1 Save The Music "Song of the Year" suggested artist March 2005 "One of those background babes that's made so much happen for so many others shines the light on herself with a set that harks back to her Brazil roots but it as in step with this day and age as Bebel Gilberto. This ep that kicks things of under her own name is sure to have yu scratching your head over where you've heard her before. Well, about everywhere. A tasty set that kicks off a solo career that should start getting hot."--Chris Spector/Midwest Record Recap "exudes cool...a solid project with a couple of brilliant tracks."--The Critical Review "First" is a 5-song EP and, just like dessert, is short, sweet, hot and just a little bit sassy as the singer blends her Brazilian roots with American jazz and pop." --Nexus (taken from a column with a Food & Cooking theme; there were other CDs selected for appetizer and main course, with First chosen as dessert. "Having toured or recorded with the likes of Michael Buble, Billy Idol, Thomas Dolby, Mark Snow (X-Files people!), and Gino Vannelli among others, Carla Hassett is no stranger to talented individuals or fame. She better get used to it even more with this EPs strong songs that tilt in a decided Brazilian slant as she mixes in worldbeat, singer/songwriter rock, and popÕs mastery of catchiness." -- J-Sin / Smother.net "This is one of my favorite CDs yet this year-it gets the PICK of this issue for -most original music-, as well as MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating! GREAT stuff, a definite KEEPER!" --Improvijazzation "Great lyrics and a truly awesome singing voice kept me playing this song over and over." -- The Global Muse "She's definitely ready [for a major label deal]." -- indie-music.com "captivating."-- Music Connection "Carla Hassett's songs are solid." -- Listen.com "Wow..incredible stuff." -- The Renegade Newsletter |