Buy Bossa Nova Instruments (here) 

Soothing and sensual, steeped in tropical atmosphere, bossa nova (Portuguese for "new trend") is a Brazilian musical style which evolved from another South American musical tradition, the samba.

The dawn of the bossa nova can be traced to Elizete Cardoso’s 1958 recording of lyricist Vinícius de Moraes and multi-talented composer Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Chega de Saudade.” While Elizete Cardoso’s version went unnoticed, João Gilberto’s subsequent recording became a hit, ushering in the bossa nova craze. An English-language translation of the song has been recorded by both jazz and rock artists under the title “No More Blues,” though it can also be translated as “enough longing.” “Chega” in this context means “no more,” and “saudade” describes an intense, passionately heartfelt need.

Americans are likely to be familiar with the Stan Getz/João Gilberto single “The Girl from Ipanema” (edited to highlight Astrud Gilberto’s vocals), but Antônio Carlos Jobim, Vinicius de Moraes, and João Gilberto are regarded as the most important figures in popularizing the bossa nova sound.

The film “Black Orpheus” (1959) contributed immensely to the popularity of bossa nova, while American jazz musicians visiting Brazil brought the bossa nova back to North America. Dusty Springfield’s breathy 1967 recording of Bacharach and David’s "The Look of Love" (featured in the movie “Casino Royale”) remains one of the most respected North American pop interpretations of bossa nova.

Bossa nova music instruments include nylon string guitar, piano, vocals, and Brazilian musical instruments such as the tamborim (a small wooden drum of African origin)

By 1963, the bossa nova movement had ended, but the music’s influence lingered. In the late 60s, the Brazilian rock group Os Mutantes integrated bossa nova with psychedelia, and Italian soundtrack composers such as Piero Umiliani, Stelvio Cipriani and Piero Piccioni developed a distinctive Mediterranean variation, recently compiled on the CDs “Bossa Galore” (Cinevox) and “Morricone Bossa” (Cinedelic). Bossa nova enjoyed a revival in the 1990s, and today performers as diverse as Bebel Gilberto (daughter of João Gilberto and singer Miúcha), Koop, Nouvelle Vague, Stereolab, and Diana Krall have assimilated bossa nova into their work.

For a recommended introduction, pick up the 2003 compilation CD, “Bossa Nova for Lovers” (Verve). 

bossa nova piano  Photo Sharing

I did some photos for a talented small bossa nova band from granada.   

CD reviews: Elias offers delightful look at the bossa nova 

It is no surprise Eliane Elias would be a good teller of Bossa Nova Stories. The native of Sao Paulo grew up listening to them, she says, and felt a need to help celebrate the 50th anniversary…   

west coast music: The return of Michael Sembello

Who in the 1950′s combined Brazilian music with Jazz and Classical creating the traditional Bossa Nova sound. Chuva’s composition began on the vintage fef piano where the elder Jobim 

View: Tonight – Free Flamenco & Bossanova

Italian-born bossa nova singer, Greta Panettieri brings the Brazilain tradtion to life in N.Y.C. at this FREE event. Her beautiful vocals are accompanied by electric bass (Mike LaValle) and piano… 

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