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Rating: The solo guitar concerts are by definition a challenging art form, undoubtedly a domain for virtuosos. In the classical realm, Segovia excelled, and in jazz, the "master" is probably still Joe Pass. At this point, one naturally wonders who the master in the bossa-nova field was. Listening to this set of "vintage" recordings provides the answer.
Perhaps some of you remember him as the author of "Manha de Carnival", a famous bossa piece that later became a jazz standard (originally a piece composed for the soundtrack of the film "Black Orpheus"). However, it's simply wrong and unfair to remember him only for this piece. Not only was he indeed a great composer, but more than anything, on the six strings he was truly dazzling and ventured into galactic improvisations. It's impressive that most of the time, it sounds like two guitars are playing instead of one; this wizard managed to practically play both the rhythmic and melodic parts simultaneously. Listen to the included sample (for your pleasure, I selected "Manha de Carnival"), and you'll get an idea.
It reminds me, though it has little to do with it, of an anecdote about Django Reinhardt. Once, Segovia heard him play and at the end congratulated him and asked if he could provide a sheet music of what he had played. Django looked surprised; he had simply improvised on the spot and had already forgotten his solo. It's said that Segovia was infuriated. So, let's say that Bonfa places himself somewhere between Segovia's classical guitar and the jazz improvisational technique. All seasoned with the rhythms and melodies of Bossa Nova.
Almost all the tracks on the album are written by Bonfa himself. Notable is also a version of "Night and Day" by Cole Porter. This music breathes an almost "fusion" ante-litteram atmosphere, because the musical influences are truly varied, from Brazilian folk music to jazz, passing through classical and samba. Here and there, there are even some sung Brazilian serenades, perhaps a bit disappointing. Let's say our friend is far better as a guitarist than as a vocalist.
In the included link, you will find a video with friends Jobim and Bonfa illustrating the reasons why it's important to learn to play the guitar well. The problem is that this is truly the wrong album to listen to if you want to learn to play, because it is technically insane and demotivating. These are the typical pieces that will never be mastered by those who studied classical guitar (due to the improvisational approach and the swing) nor by jazz players (due to the classical technique). Enjoy the bossa nova everyone!
Tracklist
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