Big Dog 92-7 Music Guide

Compact Jazz: Best of Bossa Nova

RELEASE
1987
LABEL
Verve
GENRES
Jazz, Instrumental Pop, MPB, Brazilian Pop, Bop, Crossover Jazz, Obscuro, Brazilian Traditions, World Fusion, Post-Bop, Brazilian Jazz, Latin Jazz, Cool, Hard Bop, Samba, Bossa Nova

Album Review

This is a relatively Stan Getz-heavy compilation of jazz's foray into the field of bossa nova. A few tracks on the album actually aren't from Antonio Carlos Jobim, and everyone from Jorge Ben to Luiz Bonfa are represented in those cases. Some tracks are instrumental, though a few try to slyly slip in a tiny bit of Portuguese to lure the American radio audiences of the '60s into listening. There's a good deal of refreshing guitar work on the album, from both Brazilian as well as American (Charlie Byrd, etc.) artists. Really, any fan of the bossa nova sound is probably already familiar with these songs through Stan Getz's albums of the '60s. Despite that, it's quite an enjoyable album even for those who are already acquainted with the style. For purists, perhaps the Getz/Gilberto album would be more appropriate, though this one still wouldn't be a bad choice at the price level.
Adam Greenberg, Rovi

Track Listing

  1. Desafinado
  2. Ó Barquinho
  3. Corcovado (Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars) [Live]
  4. Agua de Beber
  5. Mas Que Nada
  6. Chega de Saudade (No More Blues)
  7. Tristeza
  8. Baia
  9. Summer Samba (Samba de Verão)
  10. Gentle Rain
  11. Outra Vez
  12. Insensatez (How Insensitive)
  13. Meditation (Meditação) [Live]
  14. O Morro Nao Tem Vez
  15. Manha de Carnaval