Yet another compilation to add to the many that already exist, Pure Bossa Nova is a collection of some of pianist, arranger, and composer Sergio Mendes' greatest hits from the mid-'60s, when he was most popular. Culled from work with his trio, his eponymous group, and full band Bossa Rio, label Planet Rhythm includes 14 songs from Mendes' extensive catalog on the album and manages to, thankfully, leave out what is practically an easy listening anthem, "The Girl from Ipanema." Some arrangements are more inspired by jazz ("Ela é Carioca," "O Amor Em Paz," "Batida Diferente") and others by samba ("Tristeza de Nós Dios," "Só Danço Samba"), but all are pure Mendes and, well, as the title of the album states, pure bossa nova. And while Mendes is generally classified as light or easy jazz, the songs aren't campy or saccharine like many other things in those categories. It may not be difficult music, but that doesn't mean it's not complex. The drums are always moving, there's a lot of improvisation, and plenty of great musicianship. For already stalwart fans of Mendes, this record doesn't bring anything new to a collection, but for those who want to explore one of the great composers and performers of the genre, Pure Bossa Nova is a perfect place to start. ~ Marisa Brown
(*) MP3 for this song is from a different CD. Listen to the sound sample to be sure this is the version you're looking for.
Pure Bossa Nova Music Review
Customer Pure Bossa Nova Reviews
Average Rating: (4 out of 5 stars)
Nice mellow bossa Nice mellow bossa-however these are very old recordings. The blurb for the CD made it appear that these were recorded in the studio this year--oh well. Submitted by maddaddy (Sufflok, ny,usa) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Bossa Nova Means New Wave, and it still is! Very impressed with the set list for this CD! I've been collecting everything Mendes recorded since I was 10 years old and this collection is really wonderfully chosen. While I love the early Great Arrival and Sergio Mendes Trio, I think there should be a sequel to this CD with the best of Brazil 66(Brasil 65), and Brasil 66. Brazil 77, etc. never quite grabbed me the way the earlier recordings did. I love the CD Pure Bossa Nova and hope more people will get hip to the great legend that Sergio is. Check out the new Timeless CD he did with friends. It's great mix of Brazil 66 and hip-hop, soul and a little rap(in english & portugese). This CD will be considered a historic musical endeavor, for sure! Submitted by HunterMannFilmmaker (Arizona&Guadalajara(Mexico)) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Nice mellow bossa
Bossa Nova Means New Wave, and it still is!
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