By Jim "Bossa Nova" Lange
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January 7, 2010
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Resistance is futile. |
Blame it on the bossa nova with its magic spell
I don’t know why the bossa nova has cast its spell over me all these years. I can’t explain it. One thing’s certain: it was the bossa nova that led me to a love of Latin music.
I truly believe that any music lover who does not know or love Latin music is missing out. Trust Uncle Jim, get these grooves into your life now.
Latin Music essentials, Part 1:
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João Gilberto :Chega de Saudade |
It doesn’t get more fundamental than this. Start with João, the inventor of the bossa (and an entire style of guitar playing and singing) whose compositions are now jazz standards. Remastered and expanded to include pieces from Black Orpheus. Produced and arranged by Jobim.
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Antonio Carlos Jobim: The Best of Antonio Carlos Jobim |
Jobim is like the Bach of Brazil: his output was prolific, his harmonic sense was profound, his melodies went to unexpected places and his music will always be a part of jazz. Once I Loved is what Brazilian music does best – sophisticated romantic music with a touch of the bittersweet.
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Stan Getz & Antonio Carlos Jobim - Their Greatest Hits |
When Getz and Jobim got together, it was as if they brought out the best in each other. One Note Samba is an absolute gem and features a solo by Jobim that will surprise guitar devotees.
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Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66 |
For me, this is the album that started it all. Mendes is a band leader who proved that pop and Brazilian styles could reach a wider audience without compromising the quality of the music. Mas Que Nada is essential for any Latin collection.
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Perez Prado" Cuban Originals |
Get thy mambo on with the Mambo King. Prado and company play with energy and fire that threatens to tear apart the tight arrangements. Then there’s that famous grunt that has been sampled by many a DJ. Priceless.