Novas Bossas

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the birth of bossa nova, *Novas Bossas* revisits a number of Brazilian classics. Milton Nascimento (who possesses one of the most distinctive voices on earth) and The Jobim Trio make for a simpático pairing. The Jobim Trio is pianist Daniel Jobim, drummer Paulo Braga, and guitarist Paulo Jobim. (Guest Rodrigo Villa plays bass.) *Novas Bossas* features eight pieces written by Antonio Carlos Jobim (Paulo’s father and Daniel’s grandfather), including “Chega de Saudade,” “Velho Riacho,” and “Esperança Perdida.” Two other important Brazilian songwriters, Dorival Caymmi and Vinicius de Moraes, are represented by covers of “O Vento” and “Medo de Amar,” respectively. Nascimento originally recorded the disc’s opener, “Tudo Que Você Podia Ser,” on his wonderful 1972 release, *Clube de Esquina*. The new version of this Lo Borges gem, with its entrancing melody and beguiling chords, sounds great. The album closes with a version of Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Samba de Avião,” a perfect send-off for this tribute.