Although we often think of
Antonio Carlos Jobim
's
bossa nova
material as a kind of
jazz
, it isn't really, although he was familiar with the genre and often used its inflections and moods. With this album, however,
Jobim
definitely becomes jazzy. Guitarist
Mario Adnet
set out to do two things -- keep the Brazilian roots of the music faithfully intact, but also give
arrangements, including horns, to the pieces, some of which have rarely been heard. He's succeeded beautifully in both aims. His charts capture the subtle melodies and gorgeous sprung rhythms, but offer a full sound, with room for improvisation. Kudos, too, to the band, who play superbly throughout, while the singing is understated (even that of
Joyce
on
"Paulo Voo Livre"
), keeping the focus firmly on the instrumentalists.
Adnet
is obviously a scholar of
's work, and a passionate fan, with a deep desire to bring more people to
's music, and to highlight the
elements in it. It becomes more than an academic exercise, and the lulling, often beautiful sound is filled with little inventions that propel it along. ~ Chris Nickson