Thursday, 28 June 2012

MUSIC...LUIZ BONFA

Here's something that the husband put me on to: Brazilian guitarist and composer Luiz Bonfa.

As one of the key Brazilian artists to take Latin Jazz sounds of Bossa Nova to the world in the 60's (thanks to some beautiful records on iconic record label Verve), Bonfa has been overshadowed by his contemporaries such as Antonio Carlos Jobim, Astrud Gilberto and Sergio Mendes.

However Bonfa's sound has always been on the cooler, sophisticated and sexy side of Bossa rather then the cheesy 'Girl from Ipanema' standards.

The laid back sophisticated grooves of some of Bonfa's early work were also a huge influence on Thievery Corporation and a number of more current acts who are working in the downbeat, chillout and Lounge styles.

Most newsworthy of late though is that Bonfa was sampled by Gotye for his world conquering smash 'somebody that I used to know'. It's nice in a way to think that Bonfa's family are now receiving some nice royalty cheques thanks to a well placed sample.

Also interesting to see that the below track 'Seville' was the point of inspiration for Gotye to start writing that track - so interesting to think about the creative processes involved and how inspiration can take so many different forms.

Have a listen below and if interested, check out some of his classic full length albums on Verve:
Plays and sings Bossa Nova (1963)
Luiz Bonfa and Sta Getz - Jazz Samba Encore (1963)

Perfect Caipirinha music!










2 comments:

  1. Love it! Great to see the youngsters honouring the old fellas - now that I am officially an old fella too!

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