Luiz Bonfa Bonfa Magic CD

This is the Brazilian composer/guitarist's first album in 30 years.

This recording is one of the first results of a licensing deal with the Caj label with a focus on the acoustic guitar, in its most gracefully jazz- (and ecological-effects)-tinged. The Bonfá release has the largest number of backup artists ~ John Storm Roberts, Original Music

The durable Brazilian musician Luiz Bonfá recorded this album for the Caju Music label in 1991 in Brazil, where it was much honored, but Americans weren't made aware of its riches until 1993. Throughout, Bonfá's acoustic guitar is treated to differing tone shadings and backgrounds -- sometimes left all alone, sometimes fronting a samba band. Tracks like "Space Adventure," "Menina Flor," and "Fat Tuesday's Theme" employ unnervingly realistic orchestrations by Jota Moraes on some deftly handled synthesizers (yes, it can be done). Most of all, listeners are reminded of the remarkable vitality of Bonfá's civilized, wistful compositions, whether improvised on the spot like "Magic Passion," brought forth for the first time ("Smooth Dreams," "Samba Variations"), or resuscitated from his back catalog (like the tune for Elvis, "Almost in Love," now treated to a silky bossa nova groove). Perhaps the most valuable revival is the stunning jazz waltz "Sofisticada," which ought to be a standard like "Manha de Carnaval" (Toots Thielemans reportedly offered to trade his cherished "Bluesette" for it). A lovely, often dazzlingly imaginative recording from Brazil's elusive giant. ~ Richard S. Ginell

Recorded in April 1991.

Personnel: Luiz Bonfá (guitar, acoustic guitar); Thiago de Mello (vocals, percussion); Gene Bertoncini (guitar, acoustic guitar); Tavio Bonfa (guitar); Marcio Montarroyos (flugelhorn); Jota Moraes (piano, keyboards); Sonia Burnier (keyboards); Nilson Matta (acoustic bass); Pascoal Meirelles, Pat Carroll (drums); Deodato, Arnaldo DeSouteiro (percussion).

Audio Remasterers: Deodato; Phil DeLancie.

Audio Remixer: Deodato.

Liner Note Authors: Mark Holston; Luiz Bonfá.

Recording information: Rio De Jeneiro Studios, Brazil (04/1991).

Editor: Antonio Barrozo.

Photographers: Walter Firmo; Mircea Dordea.

Unknown Contributor Roles: Deodato; Gene Bertoncini; Jota Moraes; Sonia Burnier; Marcio Montarroyos; Pascoal Meirelles.

Arrangers: Jota Moraes; Sonia Burnier; Tavio Bonfa; Arnaldo DeSouteiro.

Personnel: Luiz Bonfa (guitar), Jota Moraes, Nilson Matta, Pascoal Meirelles, Thiago De Mello, Marcio Montarroyos, Tavio Bonfa, Sonia Burnier, Gene Bertoncini, Eumir Deodato, Arnaldo De Souteiro.