It's a pity, that this one isn't more known, than is the case. It's definitely one of Jobims more "fullbodied" albums and shows that he wasn't just a great writer of bossa novas, but that his musical range was much wider and that he could write other types of music just as well. Besides the classic "Aquas De Marco" it also contains "Ana Luiza", which I think is one of his most beautiful and accomplished ballads. There actually was an american version of this album called "Jobim" that was released by MCA around '73. Besides the brazilian tracks this also contained an english version of "Aquas De Marco". Sadly it has never been reissued by MCA on cd, which probably, in part, acounts for the relative obscure existence of this album.

This is definately a serious composer at work here. I have my reservations, though, as to how this would be received by the public at large (at least in the U.S) were it to be better known. The title track is a beautiful composition, as is "Ana Luiza", although each evoke totally different feel and emotion. "Aguas de Marco" is unquestionably different on this CD than any other version, with Jobim 'double-tracking' his vocal; and I like it. I can't say, though, that it is "better" (the word is inadequate anyway) than the version by Joao Gilberto, who I think gives it the more "serious" treatment than does Jobim here. After all, it IS a very playful song, both melodically (with the 4/4 "march" samba alternating with the 2/4; as well as lyrically: the "sexual allusion", as Jobim calls it, of "es um Bela Horizonte"). Jobim and Elis Regina - whose version is sung all in Portugese - make a masterstatement with it. "Tempo do Mar" sounds very 'Villa-Lobos' inspired, and it, and the following track, "The Mantiqueira Range" show a Master composer at work - the latter being son Paulo's. "Cronica de Casa Assassinada", in 4 movements, is actually redone, or at least halfway so, on "Antonio Brasileiro Jobim". On that, Jobim's final CD, part A is called "Trem De Ferro"; and part B, "Chora Coracao", is done as a duet, with Jobim vocalizing some of the arrangement. It is stunning, and anyone who loves this CD and hasn't heard "Antonio Brasileiro Jobim" should get it forthwith. "Matita Pere" is a very special CD by a very special man.

Other reviewers here have already lavished sufficient praise on this masterwork of Jobim's; they've said it all. I just want to add my personal experience with this music. I bought the album (yes, album) in the early 1970's and have loved it ever since. I play this music especially when I'm in the High Sierras (I live in California)and I'm going traveling on quiet, back-country roads, or sitting out at night watching the stars, or simply enjoying beautiful scenery.

This music is so passionate, so evocative and emotional, that my life honestly wouldn't have been as rich without it. Even the titles have also made me wonder: "A ranch in the clouds;" "Chronicle of the murdered house;" "The Mantequiera Range;" "Train to Cordisburgo." The music is from a Brazilian novel and movie that was apparently a deep psychological drama (from what I could understand from the translated lyrics.) But no matter: the music will floor you.

I can't finish the review without mentioning Claus Ogerman, the brilliant arranger/composer who is responsible for orchestrating this wonderful music. I hope you'll get half as much pleasure and joy out of this as I have over many years.