Joao Donato - The New Sound of Brazil | Piano of Joao Donato (1965)

I was browsing the posts made at the very beginning of Loronix wondering about one of those mandatory upgrades. I found this one and I understood immediately that I was in front of those ones who deserve better media and also visibility at the first page. However, opening the comment section, I found a writing of one of the most respectful and renowned fans of the music from Brazil, B.J. Major, the owner and maintainer of The Music Discographies at www.bjbear71.com, serving up the best selected discographies on selected musicians since 1999, which make me feel really moved. I will take the opportunity to bring B.J. Major comment to this post. I could not make better.

"I have to say something about this album, even though this is an older post and probably no one will see it. I have been acquainted with this album for several years. To learn about it was like getting hold of a treasure chest, with each track a shining colored jewel. This record is a masterpiece, totally exquisite. Donato's playing is superb throughout. But what makes these jewels shine are the arrangements by Claus Ogerman. This is an album that deserves far more attention than it receives. It demands listening. Careful listening. The jewel that shines the brightest for me on the album is Donato's "Jungle Flower". Listen to what Claus does with the strings on opening, making them go higher and higher until you think they cannot go any higher. Then they do. This one track is worth the entire price of admission to the album.

I have nothing but superlatives to say about this album. There is not one flaw in it, not one tiny little mistake. It is absolute perfection and to me, is one of the greatest bossa nova albums ever recorded. An assemblance of unique craftsmanship and talent, from the composer right down to the arranger/conductor, who makes it all sing." - B.J. Major

Do not miss B.J. Major website at www.bjbear71.com and learn more about this album, Joao Donato and selected musicians.

This is Joao Donato - The New Sound of Brazil | Piano of Joao Donato (1965), for RCA Victor, kindly sent (on demand) by the great tcisalpino to Loronixers. Tracks include:

Personnel

Joao Donato
(piano)
Richard Davis
(bass)
Bill Goodwin
(drums)
Dom Um Romao
(drums, percussion)
Luiz Bonfa
(violao)
Carlos Lyra
(violao)
Jerome Richardson
(flute)
Jimmy Cleveland
(trombone)

Track List

01 - Amazon (Amazonas) (João Donato)
02 - Coisas Distantes (João Donato / João Gilberto)
03 - O Barquinho (Roberto Menescal / Ronaldo Bôscoli)
04 - Manhã de Carnaval (Luis Bonfá / Antônio Maria)
05 - Esperança Perdida (Tom Jobim / Billy Blanco)
06 - Das Rosas (Dorival Caymmi)
07 - Jungle Flower (Flor do Mato) (João Donato)
08 - Sugarcane Breeze (Vento no Canavial) (João Donato)
09 - Insensatez (Tom Jobim / Vinicius de Moraes)
10 - Samba de Orfeu (Luis Bonfá / Antônio Maria)
11 - Glass Beads (No Coreto) (João Donato / João Gilberto)