BJ Thomas - Once I Loved (Honeyman Music) Better known for his previous pop and country outings, BJ Thomas goes Brazilian on this latest disc. A fan of the genre; BJ and his producers Allan Schwartzberg and Bob Mann, ‘have always loved and admired Bossa Nova and Samba’ music. The results certainly sound authentic. The rhythmic warmth of the music evokes images of a ‘better place’ for this English reviewer. The musical backing creates a sun-drenched, shimmying mood for this selection of Brazilian classics. From the inevitable remake of ‘The Girl From Ipanema’ (with the sultry Ivete Sagalo on duet vocals) through to the attractive ‘Resposta ao Tempo’, BJ is aided and abetted by Brazilian stars Ivan Lins, Ivete Sangalo, Joro Bosco and Leila Pinheiro. This is a pleasant deviation for Mr. Thomas, though a novelty nonetheless. Now where did I put my cocktail down! 6/10 www.bjthomas.com John Brindle Next