Edu & Tom, Tom & Edu
Edu Lobo e Tom Jobim
1981
Why This Album Matters
Edu & Tom, Tom & Edu, released in 1981, represents a singular encounter of profound mutual admiration between two of the greatest figures of Brazilian popular music: Edu Lobo and Tom Jobim. This album stands out for its "back-to-basics" approach, offering a classic repertoire interpreted with notable sobriety and elegance. The work is a celebration of the melodic and harmonic richness that both composers brought to MPB and bossa nova. The simplicity and depth of the performances allow the essence of the compositions to shine, highlighting the genius of each artist and the rapport between them. It is an album that underscores the mastery and sensibility of Edu Lobo and Tom Jobim, consolidating their status as pillars of Brazilian music.
Context
In the early 80s, both Edu Lobo and Tom Jobim had already established brilliant and influential careers. Edu Lobo was recognised as a driving force in the development of the post-bossa nova sound, known for his complex and sophisticated compositions. Tom Jobim, in turn, was the maestro of bossa nova, with a vast discography and a global reputation as one of the greatest composers of the 20th century. This album emerged as a project that sought the essence of collaboration, far from the more elaborate productions that sometimes marked MPB at the time. The context was one of revisiting musical simplicity and depth, a return to the roots that both mastered, in a period when Brazilian music continued to diversify.
Recording
The album Edu & Tom, Tom & Edu was recorded at Estúdio Polygram, located in Rio de Janeiro, in November 1981. The album's production was handled by Aloysio de Oliveira, a legendary figure in the history of Brazilian music, known for his fundamental role in bossa nova and various MPB productions. The album's instrumentation is marked by its conciseness and intimacy, featuring the classic formation of piano, bass, drums, and acoustic guitar. Edu Lobo contributed the acoustic guitar, as did Paulo Jobim and Luiz Claudio Ramos. The rhythm section was composed of Luiz Alves and Sergio Barroso on bass, and Paulo Braga on drums. This minimalist instrumental formation allowed the arrangements to centre on the melodic lines and subtle harmonies, highlighting the voices and the interaction of the two masters.
Songs
The repertoire of Edu & Tom, Tom & Edu is an exquisite selection that interleaves compositions by both artists, many with renowned lyricist partners. The album features ten tracks, balancing the contributions of Edu Lobo and Tom Jobim. Among Tom Jobim's songs, the classic "Chovendo na Roseira" and the beautiful "Luiza" stand out, showcasing his talent for timeless melodies. Edu Lobo contributes pieces such as "Moto Contínuo", in partnership with Chico Buarque, and "Vento Bravo", with Paulo César Pinheiro, in addition to "Canto Triste" and "Canção do Amanhecer", both with Vinicius de Moraes. The alternation of vocals and the way they complement each other in compositions by others demonstrate the profound connection and mutual respect between the two.
Legacy
Edu & Tom, Tom & Edu was well received by the public and critics, being recognised as a work of great artistic value. On Discogs, the album has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, based on 117 reviews. On the Album of the Year website, the album has a user score of 71, based on 10 reviews. Its importance is reiterated by its inclusion in significant lists, such as "Os 500 maiores álbuns brasileiros de todos os tempos" by Discoteca Básica in 2022. The album is frequently cited as an example of the elegance and sophistication of MPB, serving as a reference for musicians and connoisseurs of fine Brazilian music.
Rankings
Tracks
Credits
Aloysio De Oliveira
Antonio Carlos Jobim
Edu Lobo, Luiz Claudio Ramos, Paulo Jobim
Luiz Alves, Sergio Barroso
Paulo Braga
Marcio Montarroyos
Antonio Carlos Jobim
William Tardelli
Ivan Lisnik
Luigi Hoffer
Ary Carvalhaes
Jorge Vianna
Ana Lontra Jobim, Januário Garcia
Videos
EDU & TOM (1981) | Disco MINIMALISTA de dois GÊNIOS grandiloquentes
A MÚSICA, O FILME E O LIVRO
Books
Analyses
Álbum 'Edu & Tom, Tom & Edu' | Edu Lobo e Tom Jobim (nova edição)
revistaprosaversoearte.com
"Edu & Tom, Tom & Edu", clássico da MPB gravado em 1981, ganhou nova edição em vinil. Com produção assinada por Aloysio de Oliveira, o disco traz Edu Lobo e Tom Jobim interpretando suas canções de forma intimista.
Edu Lobo e Tom Jobim - Edu & Tom, Tom & Edu (1981) | Toque Musical
toque-musicall.com
Produzido por Aloysio de Oliveira, o lp registra um encontro de dois grandes da mpb, o doutor Tom Jobim e o mestre Edu Lobo. Pelo que contam, o projeto inicial era para ser um disco de Edu e seus convidados.
Discogs
Edu & Tom, Tom & Edu – Discogs
discogs.com