Bossa nova in the springtime

Soleil Caouette

Music Journalist 

Introspection by Luiz Bonfá

This album produced in 1972 is exactly what its title claims; a deep dive into the mind of Luiz Bonfa. Introspection is filled with airy guitar and classical harmonies that sound incredibly improvisational. The track “Enchanted Mirror” quite literally reflects the inner workings of his mind by creating a hypnotic piece that pulls the listener in by his guitar strings. This album emanates the months leading up to Summer. In this album, Bonfa is taking a break from singing to serenade us with his guitar, and it’s something worth listening to! Bonfa’s music is as soothing as Spring, his songs, “Rain” and “Concerto for Guitar” are both light and classical, reminding me of when birds chirp and the wind blows the trees around.

Elis and Tom by Elis Regina and Antônio Carlos Jobim

Being Bossa Nova legends, Antonio and Elis saw this as an opportunity to make a collaborative album. Elis and Tom album was recorded over 16 days and was a wish that Elis Regina never thought would come true; to sing Jobim’s songs with him. This album is full of Brazilian spark and a beautiful connection between two amazingly talented singers. A range of emotions is shown throughout this album, but for the most part, we hear the upbeat flute, string and piano playing the biggest part in this Bossa Nova masterpiece. This album reminds me of when winter slowly leaves and the green returns.

Windy by Astrud Gilberto

Astrud Gilberto was known for combining Brazilian music with 1960s American pop, and she created a new style of Brazilian music during this time. Windy demonstrates a track full of sweet melodies and velvety instrumentals that bring about the flowering season. With her ballad, “Crickets Sing for Anamaria,” Gilberto shares a story about a young love that springs up with fast-paced rhythms. The range of feeling she can pull out of these straightforward songs is impressive and does not go unrecognized by Bossa Nova fans.

Stone Flower by Antôntio Carlos Jobim

Antônio Carlos Jobim was known for giving jazz music an original alternative, but then he was deeply inspired by the samba music Brazilian musicians were creating at the time. Stone Flower was released in 1970 when mellow springlike music was popular, it gave a different more unique take on 70’s jazz and samba. I would even argue that Stone Flower was one of Jobim’s greatest works as a musician because of its beautiful style and romantic undertones. Being a mostly instrumental album, there is a vulnerable feeling being poured into it that one can hear as the layers of each song are being pulled back.

Samba “Demais” by Marcos Valle

Samba “Demais” is one of those simple albums that you listen to on a sunny spring day because the music elicits such pure joy and relaxation. Marcos Valle was known for his smooth singing skills in the Brazilian music scene during the 50s and 60s. Even though this album isn’t a record recognized for album uniqueness or originality, the album is known for being a classic samba piece. Valle sings with grace and purpose, he is such an important singer in this industry that many people strive to have his voice.