Bossa Nova (John Pizzarelli album)

Bossa Nova is a 2004 Brazilian jazz album by jazz guitarist John Pizzarelli, who is typically known for his swing guitar skills. While not Brazilian, he has always enjoyed the music and therefore wanted to record this album. Some of the selections are penned by Tom Jobim, such as the classic tune "The Girl From Ipanema".

Bossa Nova
Studio album by John Pizzarelli
Released	April 27, 2004
Recorded	May 5–9, 2003
Genre	Bossa nova Brazilian jazz
Length	53:48
Label	Telarc Records
John Pizzarelli chronology
Live at Birdland (2003) Bossa Nova (2004) Knowing You (2005)

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[1]
Tom Hull	B–[2]

Critical reception

AllMusic Review by Ken Dryden [-] John Pizzarelli's love affair with the bossa nova stretched back over two decades prior to the making of this CD, which is his salute to the legendary João Gilberto. Accompanied by his regular group (pianist Ray Kennedy and bassist Martin Pizzarelli) and augmented by drummer Paulinho Braga and percussionist Jim Saporito, along with several others on selected tracks, Pizzarelli's soft, swinging vocals and strong but understated guitar work their magic throughout the session. While most of the pieces are Brazilian works, there are exceptions. Gershwin's "Fascinatin' Rhythm" is easily adapted into a bossa nova, adding backing vocals and the potent tenor sax of Harry Allen. Rocker James Taylor's "Your Smiling Face" benefits from the brisker setting and a flute choir backing Pizzarelli. Broadway composer Stephen Sondheim's "I Remember" adds Don Sebesky's string arrangement, carefully filling the backgrounds in this beautifully sung ballad. Of course, several songs are devoted to the timeless compositions of Antonio Carlos Jobim. All five present on this date have been recorded so frequently that it would be hard to come up with landmark interpretations, but Pizzarelli and company do justice to all of them. Also worth investigating are the leader's two originals, the swinging "Francesca" and the breezy "Soares Samba." The intimate sound throughout this recording is an additional bonus.

Track listing

1. "One Note Samba" (Jobim) – 4:42
2. "Fascinatin' Rhythm" (Gershwin, Gershwin) – 3:53
3. "The Girl From Ipanema" (DeMoraes, Gimbel, Jobim) – 4:55
4. "Your Smiling Face" (Taylor) – 2:57
5. "Estate" (Brighetti, Martino) – 4:58
6. "Desafinado" (Jobim, Lees, Mendonca) – 2:35
7. "Aquelas Coisas Todas" (All Those Things) (Horta) – 5:28
8. "I Remember" (Sondheim) – 3:45
9. "Francesca" (Pizzarelli) – 4:32
10. "Love Dance" (Lins, Williams) – 3:39
11. "Só Danço Samba" (DeMoraes, Jobim) – 3:29
12. "Aguas De Marco" (Waters Of March)" (Jobim) – 3:59
13. "Soares Samba" (Pizzarelli) – 4:56

Personnel

• John Pizzarelli – vocals, guitar
• Ray Kennedy – piano
• Martin Pizzarelli – double-bass
• Harry Allen – tenor saxophone
• Paulinho Braga – drums
• Jim Saporito – percussion

References

1. Dryden, Ken. Bossa Nova – John Pizzarelli at AllMusic. Retrieved 2007-07-05.
2. Hull, Tom (n.d.). "Jazz Consumer Guide: Artist Index". tomhull.com. Retrieved June 22, 2020.