4.20.2012

Friday, April 20, 1962: 'Jazz Samba'

The jazz album is released on the Verve label, setting in motion the bossa nova craze in the United States. "Desafinado" becomes the album's biggest hit. (The public's interest in bossa nova would wane in late 1963-early 1964, when the album "Getz/Gilberto" and its song "The Girl From Ipanema" would bring renewed attention and appreciation.) Photo: from left, Stan Getz, Joe Byrd and Charlie Byrd.

From the May 5, 1962, issue of Billboard Music Week: Another beautiful set from tenor saxist Stan Getz. It's another highly unusual LP, following hard on the heels of his "Focus" album. This time Getz plays against a samba beat ingeniously arranged by Charlie Byrd. The arranger's provocative guitar work is also very much in evidence. It's small combo work that's alive and highly satisfying. "Baia," "Samba Dees Days" and "Samba Triste" are only a few of the magnificent tracks.

* Listen to album: @
* Album review (from allmusic.com): @
* "Blame It on the Bossa Nova: Jazz Samba's 50th Birthday" (essay by Chris McGowan, author of "The Brazilian Sound"): @
* "The Brazilian Sound" (1991 book): @
* " 'Jazz Samba,' landmark album recorded in a D.C. church, turns 50" (Washington Post, 2012): @

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