A lovely little meeting between bossa guitarist Toquinho and Japanese saxophonist Sadao Watanabe – a set that has Sadao returning to some of the Brazilian styles he first recorded back in the 60s! There's a nicely warm feel to the set, but the sound is still pretty intimate overall – not nearly as produced or smooth as some of Watanabe's other work of the time, and with an up-close element that definitely shows Toquinho's influence. Toquinho sings a fair bit on the set, and Watanabe's solos are a sharp-edged treat – and the record features a fair bit of original compositions for the session. Titles include "Saudade De Elis", "Carinhoso", "Sentimentos Iguais", "Minha Profissao", "Filho Meu", "Made In Coracao", "Inquieto Amor", and "Samba Da Volta". CD

One of Sadao Watanbe's excellent late 60s bossa albums – beautifully rich, but mellow readings of bossa nova numbers – in a way that takes music that had already been introduced to Japan a few years earlier, and gives it even wider exposure with Sadao's wonderfully soulful, jazz-based approach! Sadao plays both flute and alto sax – and backing is from a small combo that mixes in Brazilian-styled guitar and percussion next to the piano from Masabumi Kikuchi and drums from Masahiko Togashi – who you'll know from other Japanese jazz of the time! Watanabe's reeds have a raspy, off-kilter quality that's almost more human than many Brazilian jazz efforts of the time – and titles include "O Grande Amor", "Felicidade", "Here's That Rainy Day", "Agua De Beber", "White Wave", "From Russia With Love" and "So Danca Samba". (Jazz, Brazil) CD

Beautiful bossa nova from 60s Japan – groundbreaking work from the young Sadao Watanabe! Like one of his obvious influences, Stan Getz, Watanabe had a great role in bringing the bossa nova out of Brazil – taking a music that had already been introduced to Japan a few years before, and giving it even wider exposure with his wonderfully soulful, jazz-based approach. And although there were earlier Japanese bossa albums, this one stands out as one of the true classics – the Getz/Gilberto set of 60s Japan, although without the vocals of that Verve date. Sadao plays both flute and alto sax, and backing is from a small combo that mixes in Brazilian-styled guitar and percussion next to the bass and drums. Watanabe's reeds have a raspy, off-kilter quality that's almost more human than most Brazilian jazz efforts of the time – and titles include versions of "Song Of The Jet", "Felicidade", "Reza", and "Morning Of The Carnival" – plus some nice originals like "America" and "Cupid's Song". (Jazz, Brazil) LP, Vinyl record album

Beautiful bossa nova from 60s Japan – groundbreaking work from the young Sadao Watanabe! Like one of his obvious influences, Stan Getz, Watanabe had a great role in bringing the bossa nova out of Brazil – taking a music that had already been introduced to Japan a few years before, and giving it even wider exposure with his wonderfully soulful, jazz-based approach. And although there were earlier Japanese bossa albums, this one stands out as one of the true classics – the Getz/Gilberto set of 60s Japan, although without the vocals of that Verve date. Sadao plays both flute and alto sax, and backing is from a small combo that mixes in Brazilian-styled guitar and percussion next to the bass and drums. Watanabe's reeds have a raspy, off-kilter quality that's almost more human than most Brazilian jazz efforts of the time – and titles include versions of "Song Of The Jet", "Felicidade", "Reza", and "Morning Of The Carnival" – plus some nice originals like "America" and "Cupid's Song". (Jazz, Brazil) CD

A really great meeting of talents – legendary reedman Sadao Watanabe, who'd already done plenty to bring the bossa nova to Japan by the time of this record – and a host of Brazilian musicians who further help him expand his groove! The combo is listed as Sadao's Brazilian 8 – and includes Jose Ferreira Godinho Filho on alto, Carlos Alberto Alcantara on tenor, Waldir De Barrios on trumpet, and Aparecido De Barros on trumpet – a group who are way more than just the added guitar and percussion that American musicians might use on such a set – although there's plenty of that here too! Watanabe's out front on alto and flute and he runs through a groovy set of bossa cuts that includes "Muito A Vontade", "Tristeza", "Barquinho Diferente", "Eu E A Brisa", "Bim Bom", and "E Nada Mais". (Jazz, Brazil) LP, Vinyl record album

Pretty strong 80s fusion – Cesar's on lots of electric keyboards, and the album features guest appearances from Ivan Lins and Sadao Watanabe. There's some nice moments buried in the mix, but the production is a bit slick, toning down the emotion and funk of Mariano's earlier records. Songs include "Amor Em Paz", "Send One Your Love", and "Tokyo". CD

Nice little compilation with a dozen songs from Joao Donata & Lisa Ono, John Pizrelli, Eliane Elias, Arto Lindsay, Paul Desmond, Randy Brecker, Harry Allen, Larry Goldings, Forma De Agua, and Sadao Watanabe. CD