Jammable lesson on: Bossa Nova

Antonio Carlos (Tom) Jobim

This might be bold, but I'm pretty sure Bossa Nova could be the sexiest style of music that's ever been invented. While most of it is sung in Portuguese due to its Brazilian origin, I don't think many people will find difficulty in enjoying it. In fact, you would be surprised how much influence this Brazilian-originated music has had on some of our classic wonders of today, like Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, for example. While few can deny these two as everlasting classics, I think it's pretty cool that they both have recreated several of the popular Bossa Nova hits of the 50's and 60's into the English language, giving each their own unique touch. Anyways, since I have been so fascinated with this style of music lately, I figured it would be fun to give a lesson on it to expose you all to this still pretty undiscovered genre for a lot of people. So get out your pens and pencils, jammers!

Bebel Gilberto

To start, the term Bossa Nova was thought of as one which brought on a new and trendy style, or "wave" of music that was taking over Brazil's beach-life culture of the late 50's. Originally evolving from the samba, Bossa Nova also tends to fuse some sweet jazz elements into it as well and is known for it's calming and subtle vocals. A typical Bossa Nova song will mostly incorporate pick-less pricking of the classical guitar, basic jazz-styled piano, rim-clicking percussion, and strings. When referring to the originators of this style of music, it's common to hear the names Antonio Carlos (Tom) Jobim, João Gilberto, and Johnny Alf often dropped, but we can even find remnants of Bossa Nova influence in several popular songs of today done by artists such as Shakira and the Black Eyed Peas. You may even recognize this first feature titled, "Samba de Bencao" sung by Bebel Gilberto, who is actually the daughter of João Gilberto and which was featured in a pretty steamy Javier Bardem scene from the movie Eat, Pray, Love ;). The second feature "Desafanido" is off the vinyl recording titled Getz/Gilberto produced by João Gilberto and Stan Getz and is fantastically delightful in every way. Thirdly, we have the popular duet called "Águas de Março" by the classic Antonio Carlos Jobim and Elis Regina. Fourthly, we get another slice from the Gilberto family by watching a live version of the very well-known single "The Girl from Ipanema," but this one is done by Astrud, the then wife of João, with the help of Mr. Stan Getz. And lastly before I put you all into a permanent snoozed state, we have a more new-age and upbeat example of the Bossa Nova style done by Roberta Sá titled, "Eu Sambo Mesmo." Now, that should tide you over for a bit. Tchau chicos!

1) Bebel Gilberto- Samba de Bencao

2) João Gilberto and Stan Getz- Desafinado

João Gilberto

3) Antonio Carlos Jobim and Elis Regina- Águas de Março



4) Astrud Gilberto and Stan Getz- The Girl from Ipanema

5) Roberta Sá- Eu Sambo Mesmo