Search - Luiz Bonfa :: Plays & Sings Bossa Nova

Soothing Sophistication

Kurt Harding | Boerne TX | 02/05/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Well, I don't know what the reviewer who considered this a snooze expected, Sepultura perhaps? If you don't like mellow, then Luiz Bonfa Plays and Sings Bossa Nova is NOT going to be for you. But if you enjoy the cool, understated and soothing sophistication of bossa nova and a taste of Bonfa's perfect sense of rhythm, then don't hesitate to give this a shot.

I was more familiar with A C Jobim and Joao Gilberto than I was with Luiz Bonfa until I bought this CD, but I knew that Bonfa's music had merit solely on the strength of the internationally famous Morning of the Carnival.

I recently listened to this again after it sat a long time on the shelf, and I found a lot to like that I missed when I initially heard it. The first six songs are vocals, the rest are instrumentals. I like the whole CD, but the following speak to me most:

2) Come Here My Love- rousing stacatto vocals and an interesting instrumental interlude.

3) Sambalamento- great vocals that presage Jobim.

4) Brazilian Blues- epitomizes the "happy sadness" for which bossa nova is famous. Vocals remind me of Roberto Carlos.

5) Morning of the Carnival- I read recently that some Hollywood group recently voted Somewhere Over the Rainbow the "best" movie song ever written. Huh? With so many great movie songs, the "best" is surely a mere matter of taste and hard to define. To my ears, Morning of the Carnival is miles ahead of Yip Harburg's Wizard of Oz ditty.

10)The Sea Wall-A sprightly tune that features a dazzling display of Bonfa's guitar wizardry.

11)The End of Love-With a vaguely familiar opening, this segues into pure instrumental bliss.

13) Bossa Nova Cha Cha- a languid, dreamy cut that closes out this all too short CD.

Obviously, you can tell that I highly recommend this obscure gem. Those who follow my reviews know they can depend on me to call 'em like I hear 'em. So don't hesitate when it comes to discovering (or re-discovering) the magic of Luiz Bonfa by buying this CD.

"

One of the best Pieces of Music I Own

bordersj2 | Boston | 12/04/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can't think of any other way to put it - this is easily one of the best albums I own. Luiz Bonfa was one of the, if not THE, founder of bossa nova. His influence is all over the genre, from the "Orfeu Negro" original soundtrack to modern adaptations. This particular album highlights him at IMO his best. When listening to this I'm taken to an old record player at sunset in the summer. Great with the remastering but there's something about the old vinyl that'll always carry something special.



I won't get into every song - but will mention some of the highlights to me. With the music, it's more than the guitar play, it's the mood, the build and the orchestration. Footballers in Brasil... the really good ones... will tell you that when they keep the game simple, they play better. I think it translates well with the music too. From "The Silence of Love" to "The Sea Wall", you can hear the gentle percussion roll with the guitar and piano. Another of my favorites here was "Sunday Night". Maria Toledo's (his wife) voice is almost haunting in this. "Coral Island" is also incredibly romantic - just amazing builds and a breathtaking ending. I think my favorite song on this album though is "Goodbye". It's like a scene from a very good, classy movie and again, there's just enough of Maria's voice to give the song that little bit extra. "Manha Do Carnaval" is a song that always deserves mention.



I can't recommend this album enough. It's one of the best albums I own. Luiz is, to me, one of the best guitar players that ever lived. Others that I really enjoy are Maria Toledo's album where she sings many of Luiz's songs. Another fantastic MUST have is "Jazz Samba: Encore", done with Stan Getz and Maria Toledo - just thinking about that album and "Menina Flor" makes me want to hear it again. You would also want to check out the original "Jazz Samba" done with I think Oscar Peterson, other works by Joao Gilberto, and works by another favorite of mine who is criminally underrated, Laurindo Almeida - especially Getz/Almeida. Whatever you do, don't miss this amazing piece of art and music."

Music from the soul

Fabio Buhrer | 05/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Luis Bonfá plays with his soul, and the result is fantastic. If you like bossa nova, not doubt this is a must have."