““If you love the sinewy Brazilian melodies of …you would do well to seek out Rick Udler & Maria Alvim’s Rhythm & Romance, a richly textured effort which takes a page from Braziljazz legends and makes it personal...a well-suited pair, with the seamless give-and-take of a Brazilian Tuck and Patti.””
— Jazztimes
““..Guitarist/arranger/songwriter Rick Udler and singer Maria Alvim draw deeply from the founts of the great composers, but achieve a fresh fluidity all their own...A pleasant surprise, this record is worthy of some real recognition.””
— The Beat
““Rhythm & Romance captures, and then recreates, the best of the Brazilian sound…””
— Jazziz
““This beautiful CD…is a magical journey from tracks one through fourteen. Certainly well recommended.””
— Just Jazz Guitar
““True bossa heads will welcome this tasteful, elegant duo’s album.””
— Rhythm Music
““The uncompromising artistry of Rick Udler and Maria Alvim has produced an album of extraordinary sonic pleasures...It’s an album that’s been long overdue.””
— Mark Holston
““Rhythm & Romance contains some fine acoustic-based Latin jazz with a few welcome quirks. ...Rick Udler (nylon-string guitar) and Maria Alvim (vocals) serve up a rootsy mix of traditional samba sounds and some very interesting guitar work.””
— Acoustic Guitar
“A stunningly perfect album! Another reviewer comments on the guitar player (great) and his compositions (also great). I want to point out that Maria has a superb voice, and the arrangements are top-notch. The focus is one guitar and one voice, with quite a bit of percussion and some flute (and a few other colorful touches). Strong Brazilian flavour leavened with tasteful jazz.
If you like any styles of acoustic Brazilian music, and/or acoustic jazz, you will love the CD. It will definitely remain an ‘unknown classic’ for decades to come. Highly recommended.”