Carla Hassett
Quero Saber Reviews 2007

URB Magazine

I'm impressed with songwriters who can write in multiple languages and still manage to keep their music authentic, and Carla Hassett achieves that on her sophomore effort Quero Saber, which is in both English and Portuguese. Like always, it's a daring move to cover a Beatles song, though Hassett pulls it off with grace on "Julia" in which Mike Patton joins her on vocals for her bi-lingual version of the song. Though most of the album's tracks are very loungy and classically styled, standout tracks are the more upbeat contemporaries. "Over You" features seductive sounding raps by Liquid Delvin Deluxe which add emphasis Hassett's choruses repeating "All I want is to fade into the night with you my baby." "Abusou" closes the album and starts off with a slow intro, and breaks into a poppy-dancehallish rhythm, which is an unexpected delight. Carla Hassett will no doubt gain well-deserved attention with Quero Saber. _Reviewer: Elisa Padilla


GLOBAL RHYTHM
Born in Brazil, raised in the U.S. and now based in Los Angeles, Carla Hassett has sung background for acts ranging from Sergio Mendez to REO Speedwagon. An ear for hooks is apparent on her first full-length album, which features 11 breezy, Brazilian-flavored tracks sung in English and Portuguese. With touches of samba, bossa, Bahia as well as a lot of straight-ahead pop, this disc sounds custom-designed to play in your local coffeehouse on a summer afternoon. Hassett, who also plays guitar and programs some of the beats, has a smoky voice and eclectic taste in songs: Mike Patton guests on a bossa-fied and bilingual take on the Beatles “Julia”; “Mulato Casado” and “Abusou” are energetic bursts of samba; and the choruses of “Over You” and “Not Real love” sound ripped from the Christina Aguilera songbook. While casting a wide net, Hassett manages to synthesize it all into a fun, lightweight, sunny album. –Doug Merlino


AllMusic
“Her samba whistles, her basslines, her guitar work are all flawless.”


WORLD MUSIC CENTRAL
Carla's Vocal Artistry

Brazil seems to have an endless supply of great musicians. Carla Rigolin Hassett is yet
another name to add to the list. Her latest CD, titled Quero Saber (I Want to know), has an
excellent collection of contemporary Brazilian songs.Carla composes a lot of her material
and likes to experiment with her vocals, using overdubs and a wide range of effects. She
also like cool electronics. In addition to guitar, Carla plays keyboards and programs electronic
sounds. And she also features electric violin wizard Jerry Goodman, who plays a terrific solo.
Quero Saber combines MPB, hip hop, Brazilian folk, jazz, the ubiquitous reggaetón and
contemporary bossa nova. When singing in English, Carla Hassett sounds surprisingly similar
to Flora Purim, although her use of vocal effects gives a very current sound.
Carla Hassett may not have the support of major labels or large indies, but she has proven to
be an important artist in Brazilian contemporary music.


SOUND OF THE SIRENS
the perfect soundtrack for sipping apple martinis and watching the sunset


TALENT ON DISPLAY
I'll start this review with a Portuguese word for Carla Hassett. The word is "Obrigado!" which means "Thank you!" Her well-executed music is something we should all be grateful for. (Joe Ross)


FEMINIST REVIEW
Hassett’s voice is lovely. Sung in Portuguese and English, Quero Saber is relaxed and pretty. It sports an array of styles and rhythms: pop, samba, bossa nova and baião. I am not a huge fan of Latin pop, but I enjoyed most of this record.
Review by Amory Ballantine


The Promise Live
Carla Hassett has created a beautiful CD. Partly sung in Portuguese, the South American rhythms along with Carla's expressive voice make this a CD that transcends language. Her cover of the Beatles "Julia" is just gorgeous.


Spring 2007 Ear Voyages
Lush instrumentation, catchy vocal hooks and contemporary rhythms are the qualities that bind this diverse album and separate it from the multitudes of contemporary music that foray into Brazilian jazz. Gorgeous chants in English and Portuguese are arranged with acoustic guitar and electronic beats and samples, creating a refreshing, funky palate of loungy classics, original material and creative, beat-heavy covers. If you enjoy Bebel Gilberto in doses but yearn for the musical moxie of alternative artists, Carla Hassett might just be your favorite find of this year. — Maria Jett


THE ROCKIT
Although Carla Hasset's new album Quero Saber emphasizes her Brazilian roots, this bilingual recording will also be enjoyed by the American audience. With beautiful English and Portuguese chants, accompanied by acoustic guitar and blended with computer samples and beats, Carla Hassett offers a diverse album from beginning to end. Each song shows a different emotion and tone, constantly changing how the listener wants to interpret Hasset's music. On songs, such as the opening track "What I'm Living For (Seu Amor)," joy and celebration are obvious, while the title track expresses mystery and confusion augmented by a breath-taking solo from renowned electric- violinist Jerry Goodman. The listener is rewarded by even more guest appearances, including the vocal talents of Mike Patton (Faith No More, Peeping Tom) on the relaxed "Julia."
Andrew Schwartz


MIDWEST RECORD
CARLA HASSETT/Quero Saber: LA gal by way of Brazil is as eclectic in her music and outlook as you could ever expect. With guest diverse as Jerry Goodman and Mike Patton lending a hand, this do it all performer let’s her jazzy, Brazilian roots show proudly, but there more to her than that. An MVP player in LA musical affairs seemingly no matter what the genre or mode, when she focuses the beam on herself, you get quite a show. Bringing a lot of depth to the fore, this is a top notch effort that’s a pure musical treat from start to finish. Certainly if Babel Gilberto has turned your head, Hassett will continue to set you swiveling.


BRAZZIL MAGAZINE
Clearly drawing influence from Flora Purim, she [Carla]sings mostly original material in English and in Portuguese.
The album opens with a bass riff that reminds you of The Beatles' "Come Together" that evolves into a funky beat. Listen to the clever cover of "Julia" , a song written by John Lennon for the Beatles' White Album. Here she gives the tune a Portuguese lyric that is intertwined with English. -- Ernest Barteldes



MUSIC MORSELS
Having recorded or performed with Norah Jones, Billy Idol and Jon Anderson, you would have high expectations of this Brazil born singer songwriter. She more than meets them, from the first restrain of the electronic fueled light funk of Not Real Love. Slickly produced by Carla herself, the music has catchy hooks but in a less pretentious way than most pop divas. Her sultry but emotive voice is the focal point but she obviously used her talents in all facets of this debutbr />


IMPROVIJAZZNATION
We first reviewed Carla in issue # 71 - we were highly impressed with her then, & surely are FAR more so on this outing... there is a rhythmic sophistication to all 11 tracks that shows greater understanding of what the soul in music is really all about than players who've been at this for 50 years! My favorite cut on the album is "Over You", which mixes together a sorta' "Latino rap" beat with sweet Brazilian guitar strum - then when she moves in on your consciousness with her haunting vocalization, you'll be truly transported... my only regret was that it was only 3:37, but I suspect that's part of the mystique - you'll have this hook in yer' head for a LONG time! She's recorded/played with some heavy folks... Billy Idol, Jon Anderson (Yes), Sergio Mendez, & a list that goes on & on... as in my review in the earlier issue, though, the highlight of folks she's played with (for me) was Thomas Dolby - for the "new" sound, Dolby is a paragon, as far as I'm concerned, & Ms. Hassett is clearly able to open new sonic channels in your mind & heart, to be sure. Whether you're inclined to "hard" jazz, a little bit o' "street" rhythm, or "down & deep" Latino soul, you'll find something you'll like on "Quero Saber". I give this album a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, without a moment's hesitation.


Carla Hassett is no stranger to talented individuals or fame. She better get used to it… --Smother.net