"'Jazz Samba Encore' is a more muted affair than its predecessors 'Jazz Samba' and 'Big Band'. Although featuring both men, the emphasis is more on Luiz Bonfa than Antonio Carlos Jobim, and Bonfa's songs 'lack' Jobim's pop instincts, favouring a restrained, more groove-based effect, which can be quietly intoxicating, Getz's melancholy sax contributing to the mood. Even more upbeat songs like 'So Danco Samba', despite its title, are more of a late night shuffle than a beach monster. The effect can be largely attributed to singer Maria Toledo, whose strangely disembodied voice haunts the songs. She is rarely the focus, floating in and out of the background like a presiding ghost. Even in a song she clearly dominates, such as 'Insensatez', a phantosmagoric quality makes her vanish into the precious sadness of this song which, with Jobim's understated, unbearably poignant piano, is surely the most beautiful ever written."
One of the Greatest Albums Ever Created ie. a masterpiece
marcel195 | Victoria Australia | 08/28/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Luiz Bonfa's playing is as beautiful as Stan Getz's playing is as good as Maria Toledo's singing. After several years I still can't get over how good these three are, and how beautiful each arrangement is - Antonio Carlos Jobim lent a hand with the arrangements and also appears on several tracks playing the piano in his distinct and most singinglike way. There are upbeat sambas as well as some incredibly moving slower tracks. Their version of "Insensatez" is, without doubt, the most beautiful ever recorded. It's such a treat to hear such wonderful music!Both Stan Getz and Luiz Bonfa as masterful "singers" of their instruments. Everything they play on this album is singable; and I give you my personal guarantee that they will give you goose bumps, make your eyes water, spine tingle. Maria Toledo's voice is one of a kind - powerful, with a dark but sensitive tone. Writing these things now as I ponder the effect "Jazz Samba Encore" has had on me, I realise that I am in love with the album. Everything I could and would say about it will be written from the perspective of one dizzy and confused by his emotions. It is impossible for me to retain a cool, unaffected tone in my writing because of my feelings for the album. As a result, I risk hyperbole and sickly attempts to poeticize upon what really speaks for itself - sample the music, keeping in mind that the initial beauty that strikes you will continue as you come to know the album better and the subtleties reveal themselves. Everyone who hears this album loves this album."
Lots of suinge!
jfpessoa | Portugal | 05/12/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Though I am very fond of the previous album, Jazz Samba, over time this one has edged it out. The first venture sometimes seems like disconnected pieces assembled into an album, whereas this Jazz Samba Encore has a sustained swing and drive that give it an overall all sense of direction and unity that Jazz Samba now lacks for me.Also there is, in my estimation, more artistic balance on this album - Bonfa's playing and Toledo's singing are right there at Getz's level all the time, every time. This is a superb effort, there isn't a slice of turkey on the entire album. Pure pleasure."
A MUST have Master Piece
Serp Zi | San Francisco, CA USA | 08/20/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album should get a rating of 6 in the scale of 5. Is incredible how a guitar, a saxophone can make exquisite harmony with the addition of just percussion and a bass. Master Bossa Nova masters Luiz Bonfa and Stan Getz leave a great legacy no other instrumental album in the history of Bossa Nova has done.If you are a Bossa Nova, Jazz or guitar afficionado, this is a must have album. Luiz Bonfa, the one and only player that "makes a guitar sound like and orchetra by itself", proves to the world that he is indeed has earned the respect of his peers as the "one and only". I guarantee you, once you listen to this album, you will be looking for Luiz Bonfa music all over. I did.And for Stan Getz, can someone else make a sax create moods of happiness, melancoly, sadness etc...The combo of Getz and Bonfa is an incredible harmony of one master speaking to the other via their instruments.I have heard nearly all Bossa Nova music and others alike. I highly recommend this album. Once you listen to it, you will be listening to it over and over. The guitar improvisation will make you think, "how in the world can someone play like this". And you will then be writing the next review like me in here."
Breathtaking Album
bordersj2 | Boston | 01/25/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This'll probably be one of my shorter reviews mainly because I love this album, and there's little more that I can add to that. This is Jazz Samba Encore, this time featuring Stan Getz and Luiz Bonfa (Orfeu Negro, Luiz Bonfa Sings & Plays, etc.). Also featured here is Maria Toledo, Luiz Bonfa's then wife (I'm not sure if they are still married).
This is an amazing album, and a must have. The music is wonderful... very gentle, extremely clear, and very sincere. Featured here is a haunting version of "Sambalero" to open up the gentle adventure followed by 10 more incredible tracks. Gentle sax, perfect marriage between his tone and Luiz Bonfa's guitar. The music evokes an image, and the timing and musicianship grabs me every time I listen to this. While I loved every song on this, there were others that are absolute staples to me: "Insensatez", "Samba De Duas Notas", "Menina Flor", "Um Abraco No Getz", and "Ebony Samba".
If you are a bossa nova fan, you will certainly want to get this if you don't already own it. It's stunning. And if you do like this, you also want to check out "Getz/Gilberto", "Jazz Samba", "Getz/Almeida" to name but a few. You may also like music by Bud Shank with Laurindo Almeida."