Try to imagine what today’s jazz would be like if Stan Getz (or Bud Shank, if you want to get technical) didn’t go down to Brazil in the 50s and discover the sounds and songs of Tom Jobim and the embracing voice of Joao Gilberto. What would we be left with today? OK, Afro Cuban and salsa, but besides that it would be blues, modal, bop and a thousand versions of “I Got Rhythm.” The material on this single disc was the heat seeking missile that hit American jazz clubs and gave American Classical Music a transfusion of fresh blood cells.
Consisting of all of Gilberto’s material from 1958-61, the single disc contains 39 (!) songs culled from three 12” lps and on 7”er. Most of the songs clock in at from 1-2 ½ minutes, but that’s how things were done back then. The basic theme, a bit of background and on to the next irresistible tune. 1959’s Chega De Saudade has Gilberto singing the title theme, “Bim Bom,” “Desifinado” and some obscure lovelys backed by Jobim’s arrangements performed by gentle percussion, guitar and voices. An orchestra backs the singer on “Meditacao,” “Corcovado” and even “Four Leaf Clover” as well as a whimsical “O Pato.” 1961’s Joao Gilberto has orchestra or simple guitar support on “Insensatez,” with Jobim joining on guitar and piano on “Voce e Eud” and “A Primeira Vez.” This music is the marrow of the whole bossa nova craze-no fluff, no filler. With enclosed lyrics you’ll have at your hands and ears the ultimate primer for the music that saved the west!
Fresh Sound Records