Monica Vasconcelos & NoisOferandaReview

Lovers of Latin rhythms, fasten your seatbelts: Monica Vasconcelos is about to lead you on a journey taking in traditional samba and bossa nova, through smoky, late night Latin ballads to funky, contemporary jazz.

Monica is assisted in this by an eclectic ensemble of international musicians who have worked and grown with her since she first came to London from Sao Paulo. They call themselves Nois (a Brazilian colloquialism meaning 'Us') and include percussionist Chris Wells and piano star Steve Lodder, a member of John Etheridge's Frank Zappa covers project and a longtime collaborator with Andy Sheppard.

But enough of the credentials, the music speaks for itself. And 'speak' is the operative word; Monica's sweet, sensual and sometimes husky vocal talks everyone's language, even if you don't understand a word of Brazilian Portuguese. Indeed when she sings in English (notably on her cheeky cover of Bobby McFerrin's "Thinking About your Body" complete with Hammond organ and funky percussion) the melodious vowel sounds of her Brazilian accent somehow bring the meaning of the English words into sharper relief. The instruments speak to you too; the cello-vocal duet on "You" could warm the coldest of hearts.

This is Nois's third album, and its diversity and polished delivery are testament to a group of musicians who have worked closely together for years. Most of the tracks are written by Monica and one or more of her band members, with a handful of well chosen covers including an irresistibly groovy version of Edu Lobos' "Arrastao" (listen carefully for the plainsong-like male backing vocals!) and Roberto Carlos' sultry "Detalhes".

This is a charming album, which transports you from Sao Paolo bar to beach and back again. Close your eyes and turn up the central heating...