For laid-back and subdued personalities, present them with a trip to Brazil – via the languid voice of Monica Salmaso and her gently stylish CD iaia (World Village).  Packed with tunes that pay tribute to legendary Brazilian singers and composers, the album skims through three different eras and categories of Brazilian music: sambas, toadas, or love songs and traditional/condomble folk tunes.

Salmaso’s graceful, nuanced vocals are highlighted on a samba from the ‘60s, “Cidade Lagoa.”  Her liquid voice skillfully runs and dips through the playful lyrics, about a man buying a boat to cross pretty girls on the constantly flooding Rio Streets.  On “Sinhaznha,” from a movie soundtrack, she takes on a husky, sophisticated tone to complement the undulating piano arrangement.  Mostly a ballad singer, Salmaso first gained attention in 1999, when she was named Brazil’s best singer by the Brazilian press association.  Her understated, yet colorful singing makes iaia an album that will warm many glacial winter days.