John Pizzarelli Bossa Nova CD

Personnel: John Pizzarelli (vocals, guitar); Daniel Jobim (vocals); Harry Allen (tenor saxophone); Ray Kennedy, Cesar Carmargo Mariano (piano); Martin Pizzarelli (bass); Paulinho Braga (drums); Jim Saporito (percussion).
Recorded at Avatar, Secret Studios, New York, New York in 2003. Includes liner notes by John Pizzarelli.
Personnel: John Pizzarelli (vocals, guitar); Daniel Jobim (vocals, background vocals); Deborah Assael-Migliore, Joyce Hammann, Conway Kuo (strings); David Tofani, Rie Schmidt, Pamela Sklar, Keith Underwood (flute); Harry Allen (tenor saxophone); César Camargo Mariano (piano); Paulinho Braga (drums); Jim Saporito (percussion); Chiara Civello (background vocals).
Audio Mixer: Robert Friedrich.
Liner Note Author: John Pizzarelli.
Recording information: Avatar Studio C, New York, NY (05/05/2003-05/09/2003).
Arranger: Don Sebesky.
John Pizzarelli's love affair with the bossa nova stretched back over two decades prior to the making of this CD, which is his salute to the legendary Joao Gilberto. Accompanied by his regular group (pianist Ray Kennedy and bassist Martin Pizzarelli) and augmented by drummer Paulinho Braga and percussionist Jim Saporito, along with several others on selected tracks, Pizzarelli's soft, swinging vocals and strong but understated guitar work their magic throughout the session. While most of the pieces are Brazilian works, there are exceptions. Gershwin's "Fascinatin' Rhythm" is easily adapted into a bossa nova, adding backing vocals and the potent tenor sax of Harry Allen. Rocker James Taylor's "Your Smiling Face" benefits from the brisker setting and a flute choir backing Pizzarelli. Broadway composer Stephen Sondheim's "I Remember" adds Don Sebesky's string arrangement, carefully filling the backgrounds in this beautifully sung ballad. Of course, several songs are devoted to the timeless compositions of Antonio Carlos Jobim. All five present on this date have been recorded so frequently that it would be hard to come up with landmark interpretations, but Pizzarelli and company do justice to all of them. Also worth investigating are the leader's two originals, the swinging "Francesca" and the breezy "Soares Samba." The intimate sound throughout this recording is an additional bonus. ~ Ken Dryden
Singer/guitarist John Pizzarelli demonstrates his great love of Brazilian music--and, in particular, of bossa nova king Joao Gilberto--on this intimate, enjoyable recording. Though usually a purveyor of American jazz standards in the vocal swing tradition of Frank Sinatra, Pizzarelli proves himself equally adept at the subtle, rhythmically intricate guitar work and understated singing of Brazil's signature genre. Moreover, Pizzarelli makes the sound more accessible for stateside audiences via intriguing instrumentation (strings and flutes), and an off-the-cuff showmanship that reveals his American vocal jazz roots.
BOSSA NOVA is also notable for its selection of compositions. Bossa nova standards dominate, particularly those of songwriting giant Antonio Carlos Jobim. Well-worn chestnuts like "Desafinado" and "Girl from Ipanema" (with Jobim's grandson Daniel Jobim providing Portuguese vocals here) are given warm, accomplished treatments. But there are also takes on Gershwin's "Fascinating Rhythm," James Taylor's "Your Smiling Face," and Broadway maven Stephen Sondheim's "I Remember;" with each successfully adapted to the easy, rhythmic swing of the bossa nova style. Light, accessible, and precise, this Pizzarelli release should please fans of 1960s Latin pop, and win some new converts as well.