Nice reissue of some of Johnny Alf's rare bossa nova sides from the mid 60's! Unlike some of the other Brazilian bossa artists who made it big in the states (like Jobim and Joao Gilberto), Johnny Alf was a major talent in Brazil, but never really got exported properly. His sound is warm and mellow, and he's sings and plays piano in a sweet sultry way. Most of the stuff on here has him performing in front of larger orchestrations, with some good jazzy moments, and some that are more lush and romantic. The stuff's all great, though, and it's an excellent lost chapter in the history of bossa nova that we've had trouble getting up until now! Cuts include "Ceu Alegre", "Bossa So", "Gismi", "Imenso Do Amor", and "Samba Sem Balanco". CD

With Carlos Lyra, Johnny Alf, Leila Pinheiro, Leny Andrade, Os Cariocas, and Veronica Sabino. LP, Vinyl record album

A sound that's as gentle as the breezes of the sea – served up in a lovely package that brings together Brazilian grooves both old and new! This volume follows nicely in the spirit of others in the series – going for a unique corner of Brazilian music that echoes with the inspiration of the Atlantic – an inspiration that echoes not just in the lyrics of the tunes, but also in the way they open up in gentle waves of sound. There's a sense of quietude here that recalls the calmness of the ocean in the morning, and the set features 14 titles from a 40 year range of recordings – including "Joao Valentao" by Caetano Veloso, "Canto De Yemanja" by Joyce, "Corrida De Jangada" by Edu Lobo, "Veleiro Azul" by Luiz Melodia, "Desejo Do Mar" by Johnny Alf, "O Mar E Meu Chao" by Dori Caymmi, "Brisa No Mar" by Nana Caymmi, "Domingo Azul Do Mar" by Wanda Sa, and "Wave" by Nara Leao. CD