Bossa Nova Music

I first bought this album in 1966 when it was released on "vinyl". Lost it in the divorce so was glad to find it on CD. Still a great listen.

Who could take the music of the Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, and other great artists of the 60's and improve on it. Answer -- Sergio Mendes and Brazil '66. If you are like me and older than fifty, then this CD contains all that you need to travel back in time and experience the wonderful moments of your teenage summers. If you are younger, then sit back and pour yourself a margarita and imagine you are on a terrace of a swank hotel in Nassau. This music is forever. Most CDs have only a few songs worth the purchase price. All the songs here are great. The music is so smooth and the female voices are so clear. Included is the less known Chove Chuva (Constant Rain) with a sitar!

This album is a collection of the best of the best of Jobim. Delightful, happy music.

For one who has much of A. C. JOBIM's recordings, I found this album rather dissapointing. His compositions are excellent, but his performances were always very good when he collaborated with top notch musicians, whether Brazillian or American Jazz.

This CD took me right back to my days in the early 60s of babysitting for young couples and listening to all of their albums. If you like bossa nova, you couldn't ask for more than this CD. Jobim is the master.

Antonio Carlos Jobim made some of the Greatest most breathtaking Music ever. his tone and textures are timeless and so unique. his approach to creativity is amazing and the music stands the test of time. a warm soulful collection and very Ground breaking.

Antonio Carlos Jobim weaved a magic spell with his music the way few songwriters ever can; and he sang wonderfully as well. He truly invented Bossa Nova music in the late 1950s with João Gilberto; and for this he deserves to be in the history books forever for his fine contributions to the world of music.

The CD starts off with the smash hit "The Girl From Ipanema." Astrud Gilberto, Joao Gilberto's wife, sings the part of the vocals that are English. Although some may say that Astrud "sang flat;" her voice imparted a sense of natural sensuality and honesty that few professional singers ever achieve. The Portuguese lyrics are also beautiful even if you don't understand precisely what they mean--this song is THAT good.

Another major early hit for Jobim follows; the song entitled "Desafinado (Off Key)" shines like gold. Jobim plays piano on "Desafinado (Off Key)" while both Astrud and João Gilberto sing to perfection. Stan Getz does a great saxophone solo on this classic track, too. In addition, "Só Danço Samba" continues the romantic, enchanting early '60s Bossa Nova flavor; Jobim is on guitar and again Stan Getz accompanies the rest of the crew with a flawless saxophone performance.

"Insensatez (How Insensitive)" features Astrud Gilberto once more as she sings the lyrics to this melancholy ballad. The Marty Paich Orchestra performs a very well done musical arrangement; and Jobim also plays guitar for this number.

"Amor Em Paz (Once I Loved);" Água De Beber" and "Samba De Uma Nota Só (One Note Samba)" provide us with three magical instrumental numbers. The sophistication of the musical arrangements showcase the genius of Jobim's music and artistry; and the Brazilian beat enchants you with its captivating beauty. I love those strings and the piano on "Samba De Uma Nota Só (One Note Samba)!" SMILE

"Wave" and "Tide" boast smooth as silk arrangements by Claus Ogerman and Eumir Deodato, respectively.

The CD track set ends fittingly with Jobim's "Passarim," a number from the late 1980s. The vocals on "Passarim" reflect great forethought and good judgment. In addition, the track set proceeds in chronological order; this illustrates the development of Jobim's artistry very well.

The liner notes include an essay about Jobim and his career by Steven Ivory; and you get the song credits and the years in which they were recorded. The artwork exceeds my expectations with good use of color and a great black and white picture of Jobim on the front cover.

I highly recommend this CD for Jobim fans and fans of Bossa Nova music everywhere. If you want to get acquainted with Jobim's work but you can only choose a single CD to buy you can't go wrong with this one.

Enjoy!!!

Getz rarely lets you down. The only reason I did not give it five stars is because I was not all that wild about his version of Automn Leaves...otherwise, as stated above, I like what Getz does. Lots of music for the money. It's worth it.

This is a low-key album that produces a calming effect. "On and On" is a standout track and received a lot of play on XM Radio's Loft. The backup singer, whoever he or she is, has a powerful voice. It's a great contrast to the almost mumbled, soft vocals of the lead singer. Overall the music reminds me of The Sea and Cake's mellower tracks, but without the loopy, Jerry Garcia-esque riffs. Mission's Web site also compares the band to Iron & Wine and Nick Drake. I can see a bit of Nick Drake, particularly his darker "Pink Moon" stuff.

After several years looking for a second-hand copy of the original longtime out-of-print issue, I have finally got this new 24-bit digitally remastered reissue. The best Christmas gift I could have dreamed of! Brazilian jazz diva Ithamara Koorax sings a supreme set of haunting ballads like "Cry Me A River", and Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Retrato Em Branco E Preto" aka "Zingaro". Jobim himself appears as special guest on another of his gorgeous tunes, "E Preciso Dizer Adeus", his last recording session in October 1994. For those who are familiar only with Koorax's recent USA releases, this pre-Milestone masterpiece is an essential item for any serious jazz enthusiast.