Now that Bossa Nova has turned 50 – an amazing fact in itself – various labels are scrambling to showcase the event. But few can compete with this collection of classics taken from the recording vaults of Bossa Nova pioneer Roberto Menescal’s label, Albatroz Music. The result is a compilation which captures the essence and evolution of Bossa Nova’s five decades.
Roberto Menescal should know. He’s written hundreds of songs, including Bossa evergreens like ‘O Barquinho’ (The Little Boat), ‘Nos E O Mar’ (We & The Sea), ‘Você’ (You), ‘Rio’ and ‘Telefone’. He’s produced and guided the careers of dozens and dozens of musicians, including Patty Ascher and Rosalia de Souza. And most importantly, Menescal was right there, as a guitar-playing ‘teen on the scene’ in Ipanema in the 1960’s, to stir the creative caldron which brewed up Bossa Nova in the first place.
This delicious dozen takes us for a time-ride: back and forth across the Bossa spectrum. Marcela Mangabeira shows off the latest New Bossa trend with ‘Para Ti’, while the legendary vocal harmonies of Os Cariocas swing through Antonio Carlos Jobim’s ‘Ela E Caricoa’ (She’s A Carioca) with the graceful ease that’s wonderfully reflective of Bossa ‘back in the day’.
Contrasts abound, complimenting their position on this playlist. Danilo Caymmi, then Cris Delano. Wanda Sa (the original voice for Sergio Mendes and ‘Brasil 65’) and Silvio Cesar shine with Old School brilliance, while Brazil’s first Lady of Jazz, Leny Andrade quickens the pulse with the song that put Rio on the map way back in 1963.
Luiz Carlos Vinhas at the piano for ‘Samba da Benção’. Marcos Valle singing on his own timeless hit ‘Samba de Verão’ (Summer Samba/So Nice). Menecal’s trio with ‘Mas Que Nada’ and a jazzy, remixed version of his ‘Swingueira’ for the dance floor!
Each of these songs has been selected with Roberto Menescal’s personal stamp of approval. We’re sure this specially-priced collection will win yours as well.
