All Categories — LPs  

Killer early bossa by Baden Powell – a jazzy little gem that still shines brightly after all these years! This early album is a stripped-down batch of tunes that features Baden on acoustic guitar, backed by a small percussion combo that really keeps things lively – plus some additional flute that dances beautifully along with the grooves! The tunes are at once bright and breezy, but also have a darkness that makes Baden's tunes different from some of the other bossa nova guitar work of the era – a spooky specter of deeper feelings that pushes the album past the simple space of instrumental musings. All the signs of his later greatness are firmly planted, even at this young stage – as you'll hear on the album's list of titles that include "O Astronauta", "Candomble", "Samba Do Aviao", "Sorongaio", and "Conversa De Poeta".

A 60s bossa classic from Johnny Alf – a set that really showcases the bluer side of bossa at the time! The set's got a rich, sophisticated sort of sound – right up there with the best Elenco or Forma vocal sessions of the 60s, thanks to orchestrations by Jose Briamonte, which move along with this really dark undercurrent. Alf's vocals and piano contrast nicely, with these oddly-turning notes that are really unique – a distinct approach that made Johnny one of the most standout talents of this new generation. This album's easily one of his greatest efforts – and titles include "Gismi", "Kao Xango", "Cancao Pra Disfacar", "Ceu Alegre", "Eu So Sei", and "Bossa So".

A gem of a record – one of a few Brazilian sides cut in Paris during the 60s by Laura Villa – an Italian singer by birth, but one who does a wonderful job here with bossa nova! The set's got all the complex charm of a Brazilian classic on Elenco or Forma – with arrangements that are large, but never too full – and which often feature some great work on accordion from the legendary Sivuca, whose tones add an extra layer of brilliance to the set. But even without his work, Villa would still sound great – a singer with just the right balance to take on these bossa classics – using a touch of European sadness, yet never too much melodrama. Production is beautiful – a hint of echo that reminds us of some of the moodiness of our favorite French soundtracks – and titles include "O Vento", "Errinho A Toa", "Nunca Mas", "Barquinho", "Chica Chica Boum", "O Bossa Nova", "Nos E O Mar", and "Rosinha".