Customer Reviews

Non Stop to Brazil

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For those who are not aficionados of the genre, perhaps Luiz Bonfa is not as well known as Antonio Carlos Jobim or Stan Getz, the other two members of the Bossa Nova triumvirate that seemed to "own the franchise" in the 1960s. However, even casual fans should recognize Bonfa's most well known piece Manha de Carnival (Morning of Carnival), originally written for the movie Black Orpheus and recorded countless times by legions of interpreters.

Bonfa is not only an incredibly talented composer, but a guitarist of great artistry. Jobim said of Bonfa, "...his guitar is a little orchestra." Here Bonfa is joined by Brazilian percussionist, Cafe, and on three tracks by American guitarist, Gene Bertoncini.

All the songs here receive the most tender interpretation possible. While soft and gentle, the performance is filled with passion. This is a lovely and evocative album. Highly recommended.

Bonfa, a legend in the Brazilian bossa nova scene, has given us a gift of gold with this record. All of the compositions were written by Bonfa and they are top notch. They contain a sweetness to them that typifies what I love about the bossa nova era from about 1955 to 1965. I believe that Bonfa creates melodies that are often as good as Jobim's, however you may only be able to hear these titles on this record because Bonfa compositions are not as widely recognized as Jobim's. That combined with the fact that this Chesky recording made in 1989 has demonstration quality sound makes this an album not to be missed. A must for bossa nova lovers.

If you have not yet heard Bonfa and you enjoy acoustic guitar music, drop everything you are doing and get this CD immediately! I first encountered this extraordinary player when I was digging through my dad's record collection a few years back. On the album I discovered, entitled "Sambolero" (now long since unavailable), I listened in awe to versions of "Tenderly" and "Over the Rainbow" which were unlike any guitar music I had ever heard. Bonfa's chops are so far beyond your run of the mill jazz players that it will knock you out! He is the ne plus ultra of acoustic players, creating alternately harp-like, percussive, any polyphonic sounds of dazzling virtuosity. This album contains a broad sampling of his best tunes, including his composition "Sambolero", from the album I first discovered. It is highly recommended.

Any fan of acoustic guitar should buy this cd. Soft, sweet melodies played beautifully by one of Brazil's lesser known musicians, coupled with Chesky Records' demonstration disc-quality sound, create a must-have for any collection.

THIS CD BRINGS BACK MEMORIES OF ANTONIO CARLOS JOBIM. BONFA HAS A WAY WITH THE GUITAR, FROM THE SULTRY LOVE SONGS TO BOSSA-NOVA STYLE SONGS THAT MAKE YOU WANT TO BE ON YOUR WAY TO RIO!!!

I got turned on to Samba/Bossa Nova music by a friend who was really into finger-style acoustic guitar. Luiz Bonfa is one of the greatest guitarists I've ever listened to, and this is one of my favorite of all the recordings that I own. Bonfa has a few tunes that have become jazz standards, but he has many other great compositions some of which appear on this recording.

Bonfa, Cafe, and Gene Bertoncini (who plays second guitar on a few tracks) create a unique sonic landscape that is further enhanced by the terrific sonic quality of the Chesky production. Each piece of music tells a little story, and it's amazing how much music Bonfa can make with such basic instrumentation. Bonfa is such a master of the guitar, he makes every note sound effortless and plays with such a tremendous amount of nuance.

I can't reccomend this one enough. A zillion stars. You may also want to check out Luiz Bonfa's "The composer plays and sings Bossa Nova" also...

Shawn

This is an excellent CD from one of the pioneers of bossa nova. Every song is light and airy and the guitar work is absolutely beautiful. Try to get your hands on a used copy if possible so you can experience this CD.

This is one of Bonfa's best recordings. Many of his greatest compositions are represented here and the production values are very high. Bonfa and Bertoncini are wonderful together.

It's nice to hear music by the composer; it gives a new perspective on interpretation. Why more people don't listen to samba, I don't know. Musically it is subtle and interesting. Aurally it is sensuous. Having said that, some of the tunes are a little disappointing. I would have liked to have heard the accompanyment of a bass. Still, for a basically solo performance it is a very pleasing recording.

Phil
theoldsalt@hotmail.com
www.pstrio.com

This music is stunning in its simplicity. The guitar work is masterful, beautiful, and passionate. Anyone who is looking for the best in acoustic guitar should give this a try. Luis Bonfa is a great composer and performer.