João Voz e Violão

João Gilberto

If Antonio Carlos Jobim is the compositional force behind the bossa nova, and jazz tenor saxophonist Stan Getz is its most eloquent American interpreter, then Joao Gilberto is its angelic voice. Since 1958, Gilberto's haunted and lyrical Brazilian-born Afro-Indian Portuguese has seduced generations with its sophistication and seductiveness. This CD, produced by Caetano Veloso, is Gilberto's first studio recording in nearly 10 years and it's well worth the wait. With just his voice and his guitar, Gilberto fills the heart and head with enough musical force to equal a symphony orchestra. Of course, the classic bossa nova titles "Desafinado," "Voce vai Ver," and "Chega de Saudade" retain their pathos and power. Gilberto christens Veloso's "Desde que Samba e Samba" and "Coracao Vagabundo;" Ernesto Lecuona's "Eclipse" and Gilberto Gil's "Eu Vim da Bahia" with the same soulful sounds that made him a legend for 40 years. --Eugene Holley Jr.

João Voz e Violão Album: