Born in New York City, brought up in Italy, and now based in London, this debut album from vocalist Noemi Nuti beautifully combines the rhythmic heartbeat of Brazil with the improvisational soul of jazz. The scene-setting album opener ‘Infanzia’ sees Nuti's gloriously freewheeling vocal line cushioned by the flexible rhythmic foundation provided by bassist Tim Thornton and drummer Enzo Zirilli. Fine solos by pianist Chris Eldred and trumpet/flugel player (and album producer) Quentin Collins, plus the delightful syncopations of guitarist Filipe Monteiro, create the richly detailed group sound. Dorival Caymmi's ‘Doralice’ has always been an indescribably lovely song, but in Nuti's hands it takes on an irresistible force. Composed by the Rio-born sambista, singer-songwiter Paulinho da Viola, ‘Dança da Solidão’ shows the singer's sensitivity to the introspective quality of this music. Tracks such as ‘Synaesthesia’, one of three songs co-written with pianist Andrew McCormack, tease the ear with interesting transitions that suddenly veer off into different time feels and harmonies, while on ‘Rugiada’ we hear Nuti's ability to shift between vocal registers with nonchalant ease. Full of ear-catching detail, this is a compelling introduction to Nuti's music.