Bird of Paradise
Artist: Djavan

Bird of Paradise came roosting around the time the second Brazilian wave began to crest in North America, following Djavan's extensive contributions to the Manhattan Transfer's Brasil album. And this album's a beaut -- full of strong, haunting, lusciously melodic songs often backed by that gently jumping, uplifting rhythm that runs through much... Read More

Coleccion Mi Historia
Artist: Elis Regina
Jazz 'Round Midnight: Astrud Gilberto
Artist: Astrud Gilberto
Amoroso/Brasil
Artist: João Gilberto

Two of the influential João Gilberto's LPs (Amoroso and Brasil) are combined on this single CD. The former session is pretty definitive with Gilberto interpreting four of Antonio Carlos Jobim's compositions (including "Wave" and "Triste") and four other songs (highlighted by "Besame Mucho," "Estate," and an odd 31-bar rendition of "'S... Read More

Desafinado
Artist: João Gilberto
Community Score: 8.00

Samba's kick-back ebullience has always seemed more attractive than the muttering ellipses of bossa nova. But these (presumably early -- zilch data) recordings remind one once again just how great was Gilberto's talent, up-the-sleeve vocal style and all. Classics all, from the super-familiar "Desafinado" to the favorite, "O Pato," with its... Read More

Elis Por Ela
Artist: Elis Regina

This best-of collection features live and studio recordings from her middle and late albums. It contains five tracks from the live Saudade do Brasil, four tracks from Live at Montreux, and five studio tracks, notably a resuscitated (finally) version of "Beguine Dodoi," whose mastering was horrifically botched on the U.S. release of Essa Mulher.... Read More

Compact Jazz: Astrud Gilberto
Artist: Astrud Gilberto

For listeners new to Gilberto's classic Verve work, this edition of the label's Compact Jazz sampler series makes for a perfect introduction. Along with Verve's equally fine Silver Collection of Gilberto's prime sides, this 16-track set includes cuts from most of the singer's different projects. From her classic Getz date ("The Girl From... Read More

The Silver Collection: The Astrud Gilberto Album
Artist: Astrud Gilberto
Community Score: 3.67

Astrud Gilberto has never been properly anthologized by Verve Records; although they've released a number of compilations over the years, none of them have been definitive, and most of them have been rather skimpy. 1987's The Silver Collection, originally released only in Europe but later imported to North America, is an idiosyncratic selection.... Read More

The Big Break
Artist: Willie Colón
Community Score: 10.00

Colon's third album is the clearest early sign of his individuality, with a Ghanaian children's song, the first of his Panamanian-influenced numbers, and a prophetic venture into Brazilian rhythms. ~ John Storm Roberts, All Music Guide Read More

Metiendo Mano
Artist: Willie Colón
Community Score: 3.00

Salsa history in the making: the album in which Willie Colon introduced Ruben Blades to the wider world. An obvious classic, given Blades's subsequent history, but it's also a gorgeous album with Yomo Toro on two tracks (one playing guitar), the great pianist Sonny Bravo on two cuts, and ace percussion with Milton Cardona and Nicky Marrero. ~... Read More

Misa Negra
Artist: Irakere

Irakere has been heralded as one of the best big bands in the world. Propelled by a driving rhythm section and potent horn section, this Cuban band won the Latin Grammy Awards in 1979 and 1980. On this 1986 recording, the band sinks its collective teeth into a few originals, including the 17-minute, four-part title track, as well as a cover of... Read More

Amoroso
Artist: João Gilberto

This 1977 classic is to swoon over: Gilberto singing in Portuguese, Spanish ("Besame Mucho!"), Italian, and English, with strings arranged and conducted by Claus Ogerman. ~ Terri Hinte, All Music Guide Read More

Sergio Mendes Presents Lobo
Artist: Edu Lobo
Community Score: 10.00

Edu Lobo is (unjustly) one of the least-celebrated of the major songwriting lions of the first Brazilian wave, and a talented performer in his own right -- which his first North American album makes stunningly clear. Painstakingly produced by one of Lobo's most persistent advocates, Sergio Mendes, the album overflows with cunningly devised,... Read More