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Samba in Seattle: Live at the Penthouse 1966-1968
Barnes and Noble
Samba in Seattle: Live at the Penthouse 1966-1968
Current price: $36.99
Barnes and Noble
Samba in Seattle: Live at the Penthouse 1966-1968
Current price: $36.99
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Brazilian guitarist
is an icon among musicians, and many jazz and Brazilian music fans. In 1959, after establishing himself with six albums,
emigrated to the U.S. playing Sheraton lounges across the country. He joined
's band in San Francisco, then worked with
, and finally established himself as a solo act and bandleader, evidenced beautifully on 1966's
.
's canny approach seamlessly weds classical and Brazilian folk traditions with modern jazz, Latin grooves, emerging MPB, Anglo pop, and swinging improvisation. Later offerings such as 1975's
(later
under
's given name
) and 1985's
-- as well as posthumous releases on widow
's
label -- offer a more experimental, but arguably more innovative aesthetic.
This three-disc box set on
was produced by
'
. He secured these previously unissued, beautifully recorded tapes from the famed Penthouse archive. Across the three annual performances, the trio remains the same:
on guitars with bassist
and drummer
. The material reflects engaging set lists filled with bossa and samba hits, classical pieces, and some jazz and pop tunes -- some played solo. (There are few duplicates.) Disc one offers a smoking version of
's "ConsolaçaÌ?o," where all the trio's strengths are on display. The swinging interplay cuts across samba, blues, and hard bop. After two
pieces,
delivers his immortal original "Soul Samba." The fluidity of his playing prompts the percussionist to double time as
extrapolates on the changes. Disc one closes with a dazzling solo rendition of
's iconic "Malaguena." Disc two, from 1967, is entirely different.
's reading of
's "The Shadow of Your Smile" showcases spectacular melodic improvisation. He follows with a nearly danceable bossa take on
's "Satin Doll." The solo approach to
's "Manha de Carnaval," reveals its roots in afoxe and classical music and swings. The middle section is filled with Brazilian jams including
's "Samba De Orfeu" and
's "Samba de Verao" before closing with dazzling improvisations on classical and flamenco tunes. The 1968 concert commences with the trio blazing through
's "Tristeza" before
renders a tender version of
's "Corcovado."
's classic samba "Deve Ser Amor" and dark "ConsolaçaÌ?o" are played with fiery intensity.
's "O Barquinho" is rendered with warmth and humor while
's "One Note Samba," grooves its way into a breezy "Satin Doll."
offers stellar sound quality. Its booklet contains rare photos from
's collection,
's interviews with her and
(caretaker of
's guitars), and essays and reflections by historian
, musicians
and
, and a reprint of
's 1976 essay for Guitar Player.
was a groundbreaking guitarist; his music is deserving of far wider study and recognition. This fantastic box offers plenty of evidence for wider reconsideration. ~ Thom Jurek