I sometimes shudder to think what popular music in general, and jazz in particular, would be if music from the church, namely “gospel” and the liliting pulse of Brazil’s bossa nova had not been delivered from God to breath new life into our ears.
The joyful discovery of both of these genre’s made me wonder “how could I have been musically happy and satisfied without them?” That is the telling point when you realize that something has benefited you beyond description; sort of like marriage (Lord willing).
If you are un-initiated, I’ve put together a short list of tunes from bossa nova and gospel that should be part of everyone’s vocabulary.
BOSSA:
- Sergio Mendes-Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66. This album created the revolutionary sound of two female lead voices on pieces like “Mas Que Nada”.
Stan Getz/Joao Gilbert-This album started it all with the definitive read of “Girl From Ipanema”- J
oao Gilberto-Chega De Saudade. This album, or Amoroso, is the definitive gentle intimate pulse that seduces the ears - Antonio Jobim-Wave or The Composer of Desifinado Plays. These large ensemble recordings make up the canon of what is essential Jobim, the George Gershwin of Brazil
- Quarteto Novo-this intimate and obscure one is a gorgeous bon mot
SOUL/GOSPEL
Mahalia Jackson Live at Newport 1958. Just her, a piano, and the Holy Spirit. Hold on tight!
Aretha Franklin-Amazing Grace. The Queen of Soul at her Sunday best.- Dorothy Love Coates and Original Gospel Harmonettes. Her rendition of “Get Away Jordon” is a riveting sermonette that will never have you look at death the same way.
- Sister Rosetta Tharpe-Original Soul Sister. Not only was her singing revelatory, but her guitar playing took you right down the path of bluesy righteousness. She sears through “This Train” like a locomotive to eternity.
The Staple Singers. Not only did they have a number of crossover hits like “I’ll Take You There”, but their original material, just recently reissued, is a 
Sunday Morning delight.