Flying down to Rio? No need to--that bossa nova beat is in orbit around my earlobes...
Bossa nova music was introduced to the world primarily by Antonio Carlos Jobim; and we are forever in debt to him for his gift to us. Bossa nova music exudes elegance, sophistication and a soothing rhythm that could bleach all neuroses right out of your system! This CD proves it.
The CD track set opens with "So Danço Samba (Jazz 'N' Samba)." Wanda De Sah sings the Portuguese lyrics to perfection and the musical arrangements makes great use of the horns, piano and percussion. The overall effect stuns me with its beauty; and I was left yearning for more once the number ended.
I wasn't disappointed. "Meditation (Meditacáo)" is something you may well recognize when you hear it even though you might not recognize this tune by name alone. Laurindo Almeida and The Bossa Nova All Stars perform this number with a smooth as silk approach that leaves you believing you're in a heaven on Earth. Terrific! Billy May & His Orchestra perform a wonderful rendition of the very romantic tune entitled "The Look Of Love;" May's arrangement uses great use of the horns as his arrangements always did; and the percussion plays without a superfluous note to enhance the beauty of "The Look Of Love."
"One Note Samba/Recado Bossa Nova" fuses together these two melodies on one track for a great effect; the romantic and sophisticated approach to this blend reflects good judgment as it oozes elegance, too. "Recado Bossa Nova" picks up the tempo and it makes good sense to make "Recado Bossa Nova" an extension of "One Note Samba" instead of the other way around.
"Misirlou" makes great use of both the guitar and the percussion; and Si Zentner's rendition of "Desafinado" uses the horns beautifully, especially with the solo horn at the beginning of this number. "Baia" has a sensual, romantic flavor to it as well.
"The Girl From Ipanema/Manha De Carnival" uses a person's whistling instead of vocals--very creative! "Más Que Nada" has an early 1960s rock flavor to it that surprises you; it works very well.
The CD ends strong with a bonus track of the great Julie London performing the classic "Fly Me To The Moon." Julie never misses a beat and the musical arrangement complements her vocals to perfection.
The liner notes include the song credits; and R. J. Smith contributes an informative, thoughtful essay about bossa nova. Bob Norberg at Capitol Recording Studios did a great job of digitally remastering these numbers, too.
I highly recommend this CD for fans of lounge music; and people who enjoy that bossa nova beat from the 1960s will love every minute of this great album!
Enjoy!
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