Plays And Sings Bossa Nova
Luiz Bonfá
1963
Rankings
Why This Album Matters
Plays And Sings Bossa Nova, released in 1963, is an essential work in Luiz Bonfá's discography and a fundamental landmark for understanding bossa nova. The album transcends a mere collection of songs, presenting Bonfá not only as a brilliant composer but also as an instrumentalist of virtuosity, subtlety, and passion. His unique guitar style, characterised by a more incisive and penetrating sound compared to other names of the era, and his skill as a frequent and adept soloist, often exploring a polyphonic style, are distinctive features of the work. This record is an exquisite demonstration of Bonfá's ability to blend the elegance of bossa nova with his vocal expressiveness and his singular guitar touch, consolidating his position as one of the key architects of the genre and a master of Brazilian popular music.
Context
In the early 1960s, Luiz Bonfá was already a leading figure in Brazilian music, with international recognition solidified thanks to his compositions for the film Orfeu Negro, such as "Manhã de Carnaval" and "Samba de Orfeu". His artistic trajectory, which began in the 1940s as a radio performer, positioned him as an experienced musician even before the rise of bossa nova. The album emerged during a period of effervescence for bossa nova in the United States, after the genre's success had crossed Brazilian borders, with Bonfá already established as an ambassador of Brazilian sound.
Recording
Plays And Sings Bossa Nova was recorded in New York in December 1962, a prolific period for bossa nova on the international scene. The album was produced by Creed Taylor for the prestigious Verve Records, a label that played a crucial role in the global dissemination of bossa nova. For the recording sessions, Bonfá assembled a stellar cast of musicians, including Lalo Schifrin on arrangements, Leo Wright on flute, Oscar Castro-Neves on piano, electric organ, and guitar, Iko Castro-Neves on bass, and Roberto Pontes-Dias on drums and percussion. Singer Maria Helena Toledo also participated with vocals on some tracks, adding an extra layer of sophistication to the recordings.
Songs
The repertoire of Plays And Sings Bossa Nova is a showcase of Luiz Bonfá's compositional richness, presenting a collection of tracks that would become classics and others that solidify his style. Among the highlights is his iconic interpretation of "Manhã de Carnaval", a song that had already captivated the world. Other notable compositions include "Samba de Duas Notas (Two Note Samba)", which exemplifies the melodic economy combined with the harmonic complexity of bossa nova, and "Sambalamento", which demonstrates his rhythmic mastery. Songs like "Tristeza (Brazilian Blues)" and "Silêncio Do Amor (The Silence of Love)" display the lyrical and melancholic depth that Bonfá was capable of evoking. Bonfá's guitar dexterity and his vocal expressiveness are central elements, imbuing each track with a unique identity, often with lyrics co-written by Maria Helena Toledo.
Legacy
Plays And Sings Bossa Nova is recognised as one of the essential albums of Brazilian music, a lasting testament to Luiz Bonfá's contribution to the genre. The work reinforces Bonfá's reputation as one of the principal architects of the bossa nova sound and one of the greatest masters of 20th-century Brazilian popular music. Music critics frequently highlight the contrast of his guitar style, which was more “brassier and penetrating” than that of contemporaries like João Gilberto, with Bonfá being a skilled and frequent soloist, often employing a polyphonic style. The inclusion of a classic version of "Manhã de Carnaval" on the album underscores the enduring impact of his compositions on the global musical landscape.
Tracks
Credits
Luiz Bonfá
Lalo Schifrin
Creed Taylor
Oscar Castro-Neves
Val Valentin
Blake Hampton
Mason Sargent
Jim Marshall
Analyses
Plays And Sings Bossa Nova – Wikipedia
Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia
Luiz Bonfá Plays And Sings Bossa Nova - violaobrasileiro.com.br
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2. Ilha de Coral (Luiz Bonfá) 3. Adeus (Luiz Bonfá) 4. Quebra Mar (Luiz Bonfá) 5. Amor Que Acabou (Chico Feitosa / Luis Fernando Freire) 6. Chora Tua Tristeza (Oscar Castro Neves / Luvercy Fiorini) 7. Bossa Nova Cha Cha (Luiz Bonfá) Help preserve the memory of our culture and the richness of Brazilian music. Make your donation here.
Plays And Sings Bossa Nova | Luiz Bonfá
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Get lost in the smooth vibes of Plays And Sings Bossa Nova by Luiz Bonfá with Lalo Schifrin & Oscar Castro Neves. It's 1963 cool packed in groovy tracks, perfect for sipping coffee or pretending you're in Rio.
