Romero Lubambo & Pamela Driggs, Christmastime in Rio Review

by Stamish Malcuss

Imagine strolling along Rio de Janeiro’s sun-dappled beaches at Christmastime, where the ocean breeze mingles with melodies as timeless as the tides. Christmastime in Rio, the latest offering from Romero Lubambo and Pamela Driggs, invites listeners into this dreamscape, where holiday classics and original gems shimmer with Brazilian soul.

The album blossoms with “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” an opening framed by Lubambo’s luminous guitar playing. His Brazilian rhythms sparkle like stars over a quiet shoreline, while Driggs’ vocals breathe emotion and charm into the beloved melody. Her phrasing evokes the emotional impact of every lyric.

“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” intertwines Peter Martin’s elegant piano with Lubambo’s bossa guitar figures. Martin and Lubambo both take melodic and flowing solos. Driggs’ approach to the melody is relaxed as she keeps the well-known melody close to heart. “Holiday of Love” opens with a lovely ballad feel before building to a gentle Latin feel. Victor Gonçalves’ accordion playing offers a new sonic texture. The interlude featuring accordion and wordless vocals is excellent.

The original composition, “Winter Reverie,” is Lubambo and Driggs showing their gift of storytelling through sound and lyrics. Lubambo’s expressive playing paints images of quiet winter nights, with Joe Locke’s vibraphone shimmering like frost-kissed leaves. Driggs’ wistful delivery adds poetic depth, making the track an atmospheric highlight.

“Presente de Natal” is a radiant celebration wrapped in Brazilian rhythms. The Nelcy Noronha composition feels like a street festival, with Rafael Barata’s brushes on the drums propelling the groove and Itaiguara Brandão’s bass anchoring the rhythm. Driggs sings with joy with both Brazilian lyrics and wordless passages.

In “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” the arrangement gives the familiar melody an entirely fresh feel. Gonçalves’ and Lubambo’s playful chemistry infuse the track with rhythmic energy. Barata and Brandão create an irresistible groove, while the vocal harmonies burst with joy, transforming the classic into a vibrant samba celebration. “Jingle Bells” is another example of the duet creating a charming arrangement for a Christmas classic.

The album concludes with “Toyland,” reimagined in a mini-suite arrangement. Gonçalves’ accordion sustains gently through Lubambo’s delicate guitar arpeggios as the arrangement builds to a swing-waltz feel. Driggs’ vocals take us on a journey steeped in holiday magic and heartfelt vocal expression. Lubambo’s guitar solo is stylish and rhythmically interesting. Gonçalves’ accordion solo switches to a relaxed boss. The use of wordless vocals also adds a rich texture and dynamic to the ending.

With Christmastime in Rio, Lubambo and Driggs balance the expected and unexpected, creating a personal and charming album with its holiday celebration. Every track pulses with love, creativity, and cultural richness, making this record a timeless treasure for the holiday seasons to come.