Adrian Younge and Samantha Schmutz: 'Samantha & Adrian'

If you're a celebrated Brazilian actress and writer aiming to collaborate on your debut album as a singer, you're going to make a good choice and Samantha Schmütz opted for one of the best producers and multi-instrumentalists around in the shape of Emmy award winner Adrian Younge.

Samantha & Adrian starts strong. Depois Do Amor, which was also the first single released in June, sets the tone for this wonderfully performed and produced album.

Younge's work is always accomplished and complete and this Brazilian collaboration encompasses orchestral moments and beautiful solos (especially the brief, beautiful baritone sax and trumpet solos on Nossa Cor).

There are moments of utter, utter brilliance across this album, where specific instrument or vocal lines pierce the psyche, such as in Samba Canção where Brazilian and English lyrics and backing vocals sit above a beautiful counterpoint of subtle but expressive percussion.

Each brief song performed by this extraordinary ensemble collected by the pair is beautifully orchestral, produced and recorded at Younge’s Linear Labs, an all-analogue studio.

Together, Samantha and Adrian write lyrics and melodies, creating tracks that move the listener easily between Brazil of today and an LA dancefloor from the 1970s. All helped, no doubt, by Adrian's attention to detail, the fabulous arrangements and the analogue technology.

If you want a soundtrack to your summer, Samantha & Adrian could well supply it. And if you're of a certain age, this may well take you right back to summers of your youth.