An experienced singer with an extended discography, Céline Rudolph finally pays tribute to one of her first loves: Brazilian music. Inspired by Gilberto Gil's album "Oslodum", she contacted legendary Brazilian producer Rodolfo Stroeter who not only collaborated with the likes of Joyce, Caetano Veloso, Nana Vasconcelos, Milton Nascimento and Gilberto Gil but is also open to jazz and improvisation. Stroeter liked Céline's sound and energy immediately, and together they worked on a Brazilian-inspired album that was going to be just "simple and beautiful". The result is "Brazaventure", recorded in Sao Paulo -- a wonderful selection of poetic melodies, weightless flows, Brazilian grooves, strong percussion and an extraordinary voice.
A professor for jazz singing in Dresden (Germany), Céline Rudolph is a master of moods: She knows how to play with the poetry of the moment, work on sound like a painter or sculptor, sing in various (also fictitious) languages and improvise on grooves and feelings. "She uses her voice like a very, very worthy instrument," German daily Frankfurter Allgemeine read. "This voice seems to exist without a body, hovering over wooden colors and sounds and sometimes settling down on them. Then it reminds of precious dishes on a table covered for a love meal." Actualité Culturelle (Madagascar) adds: "Céline Rudolph sings the way people are in love or in sadness. While being perfectly precise, she breathes passion, humour and life into everything."
On "Brazaventure" Céline is accompanied by Brazilian musicians chosen by Rodolfo Stroeter (who himself plays bass on the album). Brazilian writer Roberto Gambini says: "Céline's way to sing shows the Brazilian soul. Her rendition of Baden Powell's 'Deixa' is an homage to Brazilian music." The same spirit can be felt in Céline's original compositions as well as her surprising adaptations of John Coltrane's "Naima", MC Solaar's French rap classic "Victime De La Mode" and the American jazz standard "My One And Only Love." Says the singer: "For me it is a natural thing to play music from diverse worlds. Each language has its own cultural information and identity. And I have a special relation to all of them."
Céline Rudolph can also be heard on Dusko Goykovich's "Samba Tzigane" (Enja).
Céline Rudolph (voice), Toninho Ferragutti (accordion), Paulo Bellinati (acoustic guitar), Rupert Stamm (vibraphone), Rodolfo Stroeter (bass), Jovi Joviniano (percussion, voice), Marcos Suzano (percussion) plus guests (div. Instruments).
11 Tracks. 2007.