I realize that Stan Getz receives all of the accolades for bringing bossa nova from Brazil to America, but there are those “conspiracy theorists” that state that actually Bud Shank and Herbie Mann beat Getz to the punch. Here are a couple session s from 1962 that has Mann’s flute flying down to Rio with a sleek band that includes Billy Bean/g, Willie Bobo/dr, Carlos Valees/perc, Haygood Hardy/vibes and a handful of other percussionists. The music goes down like a salty marguerite on a hot sunset, with pieces such as “Minha de Saudade” and “Desifinado” feeling like a cool summer breeze. A bit of bop pops in with “Jumpin’ With Symphony Sid” but he makes it blend in with “Cool Heat” and “One Note Samba” like various salsas at the taco bar.
Fresh Sound Records