Ao Vivo: Celebrating 50 Years Of Bossa Nova

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Bossacucanova celebrate their tenth year as the premier modern electro-acoustic Brazilian fusion band with this in-concert CD done in Rio de Janeiro at the Canecao Concert Hall and an apartment session, all hailing the 50th anniversary of the famous bossa nova beat that eventually changed jazz in the '60s via Joao and Astrud Gilberto's teaming with Stan Getz. The core sounds of keyboardist and guitarist Alex Moreira, bassist Marcio Menescal, and DJ Marcelinho Da Lua are complemented by horns and flutes, vocals, and additional percussion up to 15 pieces. Special guests include such luminaries as Leny Andrade, Jaques Morelenbaum, Joao Donato, Marcos Valle, Leo Gandelman, Oscar Castro-Neves, and Carlos Lyra, among many others. The infectious music you will hear is bound to be soul stirring, while also intriguing enough to be listened to repeatedly as the layers and multiple folds of sound reveal themselves. Far from simplified music, Bossacucanova remain faithful to the tradition while spicing it up with electronica, enhanced beats, and jazz improvisation from the saxophone and flute players. Baritone saxophonist Rodrigo Sha gets the party started with his deep-throated jazzy leads on the hot El Quero um Samba and the hip, heavy Maria Moita, featuring Lyra, Moreira on organ, and Da Lua's samples and scratches. The electronics emphasize the beat but the result is a breezier Samba da Minha Terra, the band goes funkier for Essa Moca Ta Diferente, and the legendary Valle joins the group for a rock-funk trip during Samba de Verao. Not without its nods to tradition, the band covers Aguas de Marco (Waters of March) acoustically with guitars as the focus and Garota de Ipanema (The Girl from Ipanema) in a Hubert Laws CTI style meets techno DJ funk, do Jorge Ben's tiny tune Minha Menina with an uptown New York City swagger, and evoke strains of the Antonio Carlos Jobim classic Once I Loved in the folds of the two beat to samba jazz song Influencia do Jazz, featuring Gandelman. Both Donato and Gandelman get a showcase on the sweet cha-cha Nasci Para Bailar. There's an accompanying DVD with a documentary of the concert and apartment sessions, interviews, and an additional nine selections of acoustic-based music. It includes versions of the immortal standards Agua de Beber and So Danco Samba, Valle's Os Grilos, and the jams A Bossa e Cuca Nova and Rio, along with reprised takes of O Barquinho, Influencia do Jazz, and Nasci Para Bailar from the CD. This is an extraordinary package from an incredible band whose members completely understand where Brazilian music has come, and where it can go. Purists might wince a bit, but those with open ears have and will continue to embrace the stance of Bossacucanova with open arms, especially upon hearing this highly recommended document of their exciting music. ~ Michael G. Nastos, Rovi