Bossa Nova For Lovers CD

The bossa nova is tailor-made for romance with its languid rhythms, smooth and easy melodies, and intimate, sexy vocals. Bossa Nova for Lovers is 16 tracks of classic '60s bossa nova from Verve. The collection features a good mix of vocal tracks and instrumentals. On the vocal side there are five Astrud Gilberto songs including one from the record she did with organist Walter Wanderley. Two tracks from the landmark Getz/Gilberto album, "Vivo Sonhando" and "O Grande Amor," are also included, Joao Gilberto's lovely vocals much to the fore. On the instrumental side are five Antonio Carlos Jobim tracks taken from his two Verve records that feature the composer playing his guitar with very lush orchestra backing, two Stan Getz and Laurindo Almeida duets, and one duet between Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd. The music is lush and the mood is unswervingly romantic. The only problem with the disc is that instead of the famous version of "The Girl From Ipanema" with Astrud Gilberto on vocals, the disc has the Jobim instrumental version. Still it is a very nice collection and is recommended for bossa nova fans looking for a bit of romance. ~ Tim Sendra

Live Recording

Recording information: A & R Recording, New York, NY (02/13/1962-06/15/1967); Los Angeles, CA (02/13/1962-06/15/1967); New York, NY (02/13/1962-06/15/1967); Pierce Hall, All Sould Unitarian Church, Washington DC (02/13/1962-06/15/1967); RCA Studios, Hollywood, CA (02/13/1962-06/15/1967); Van Gelder Studios, Englewood Cliffs, NJ (02/13/1962-06/15/1967); Webster Hall, New York, NY (02/13/1962-06/15/1967).

Illustrator: Amélie Hazard.

Arrangers: Claus Ogerman; Don Sebesky; Marty Paich.

Personnel: Antonio Carlos Jobim (vocals, guitar, piano); Joao Gilberto (vocals, guitar); Astrud Gilberto (vocals); Toots Thielemans (whistling, guitar, harmonica); Gene Byrd, Marcos Valle, Barry Galbraith, Laurindo Almeida, Charlie Byrd (guitar); Margaret Ross (harp); Lewis Eley, Julius Held, Leo Kruczek, Joseph Malignaggi, George Ockner, Arnold Eidus, Louis Stone, Louis Haber, Bernard Eichen, Raoul Poliakin, Gene Orloff, Irving Spice, Paul Gershman, Emanuel Green, Harry Lookofsky (violin); Dave Schwartz, Dave Mankovitz, Richard Dickler, Harold Coletta (viola); Abe Kessler, Maurice Bialkin, Seymour Barab, Charles McCracken, Harvey Shapiro, Alan Shulman, George Ricci (cello); Raymond Beckenstein, Jerome Richardson, Romeo Penque (flute, piccolo); Hubert Laws, Leo Wright, Seldon Powell, Bud Shank (flute); Bill Hammond, Phil Bodner, Stan Webb (woodwinds); Marvin Stamm (trumpet, flugelhorn); Ernie Royal, Stu Williamson , Bernie Glow, Jimmy Nottingham (trumpet); Tony Miranda, James Buffington, Earl Chapin, Joseph Singer, Ray Alonge (French horn); Jimmy Cleveland, Kai Winding, Urbie Green, Warren Covington, Wayne Andre (trombone); Tony Studd (bass trombone); Bob Brookmeyer (valve trombone); John Barber (tuba); Benny Aronov (piano, harpsichord); Joao Donato, Steve Kuhn , Warren Bernhardt (piano); Walter Wanderley (organ); George Devens (vibraphone); Claudio Slon, Dom Um Romao, Bobby Rosengarden (drums, percussion); Grady Tate, Buddy Deppenschmidt, Milton Banana (drums); Edison Machado, Jack Jennings, Bill Reichenbach , Jose Paulo, Luis Parga, Jose Soares (percussion).

Liner Note Author: Al Young.