Maria Rita, is good. She sings in the spirit of Bossa Nova, but she is unique. On her self-titled debut CD, she ushers you into this great musical experience that really celebrated the Brazilian spirit. The songs, often joyest, invited you into a space clearly of art and beauty.Now all the songs aren't joy filled things. _Estrela Estrala_ for example is a thing of beauty, but so sad. The song has brought me to tears more than once, and I've gone as far as to make the very morbid request that it be played at my funeral. The song is a celebration of star, and having my background in astronomy, coupled with the emotion you associate with jazz grates like Ella or Billy, its bound to move you.What this album will do for you is provide a perfect evening with friends soundtrack. That's if its one of those diner and drinks kind of event, with people who appreciate such things.Maria has released a follow-up cd called _Segundo_ which I have not had a chance to give a listen to, but from the few sampels I've heard, it sounds just as good as her first."Maria Rita Official Site":http://www.maria-rita.com/******************************PS I wrote the above at work, where I don't have any of her music, so an entirely well summarized write up could not be done. But now I am at home, and it occurred to me that there is a reason for me not having any of her music at work and that's because some how her music is very personal to me. Which is also in part why I stated above taht its a good diner party music, because its personal like a good diner party.