Sunday, June 11, 2006

Laurindo de Almeida and Bud Shank - Brazilliance Volume 1 (1953)

Laurindo de Almeida is one of those Brazilian musicians that left Brazil to an international career in US. Almost unknown in Brazil. Laurindo recorded with Stan Getz, Herbie Mann, and others getting some success when bossa nova was at its peak.

He helped introduce the Brazilian guitar to jazz and some specialists says that he was already making Bossa Nova in 1953, a couple of years before its beginning by the time Laurindo released with Bud Shank, Brazilliance Volume 1, that zecalouro proudly presents to you.

Let's ready AMG for a formal introduction to this important album:

More than seven years before Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd introduced the bossa nova of Antonio Carlos Jobim to American audiences; guitarist Laurindo Almeida and altoist Bud Shank (in a quartet with bassist Harry Babasin and drummer Roy Harte) recorded the intriguing music heard on this CD reissue. The performances are very close to bossa nova in their combination of cool-toned jazz and Brazilian rhythms; in fact, these are arguably the first bossa nova recordings, long before even Jobim and Joao Gilberto initially recorded. Only four of the 14 tunes ("Speak Low" is heard in two versions) are not based on Brazilian folk songs, and many of the songs (particularly "Carinoso") are quite memorable. This historically significant, very accessible, and highly recommended release is a gem. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide



Line-up

Laurindo Almeida
Guitar, Main Performer, Performer
Chuck Flores
Drums
Gary Peacock
Bass
Bud Shank
Sax (Alto), Performer
Harry Babasin
Bass