Top recording stars from pop and jazz have teamed up to record a tribute album to the music of Brazilian songwriter Ivan Lins. Some performers appeared in a recent tribute concert to Ivan Lins tomorrow night at Carnegie Hall. As part of the post-Bossa Nova movement, Lins inspired an entire generation of musicians and singers with melodies steeped in traditional Latin rhythms.
Call it a love affair with music that can't help but make you feel happy when you hear it. A star-filled lineup, including New York Voices singing "Answered Prayers," bring their own brand of American pop and jazz to eleven Ivan Lins originals. Ivan Lins was born in Rio de Janeiro, but spent his early years in Massachusetts, where his father studied to become a naval engineer. Lins returned to Brazil and earned his own degree in chemical engineering. He had a passion for volleyball, but in the end, music became his first love. He wrote the song "Madalena" for Brazilian singer Elis Egina and it became an international hit.
Lins went on to compose music for past and present jazz greats, including Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson and Betty Carter, as well as George Benson, the Manhattan Transfer, Terrence Blanchard and Dave Grusin. Lins won a Grammy Award for the song "Velas" on Quincy Jones' album "The Dude." Still, one of his most popular songs is "Love Dance," revived on the new tribute album by singer Vanessa Williams.
Vanessa Williams with "Love Dance" from "A Love Affair, The Music Of Ivan Lins." The album also features Sting, R&B singers Brenda Russell, Lisa Fischer and Chaka Khan, guitarist Peter White, the late saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr., smooth crooner Freddy Cole, and even the singing of Ivan Lins himself.
The release of "A Love Affair, The Music of Ivan Lins" coincided with a concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Appearing were Vanessa Williams, Freddy Cole, Peter White, Dave Koz, Chaka Khan, Brenda Russell and honored guest Ivan Lins.