| A veritable manifesto of
proud and uninhibited European Bossa Shamefully forgotten
for years, this sumptuous album is an essential classic in
terms of several tracks.
Historically, it is one of the first Bossa Nova records to
be recorded in Europe, Paris to be precise, the welcoming
spot and creative home for a major Brazilian Diaspora.
Amongst them, we find the musician Silvuca, behind a large
majority of the shimmering arrangements on this record, perfectly
showcasing Laura Villa's warm and enveloping voice.
Born Emilie Laura Facetti in Italy, she would discover Bossa
Nova's captivating melodies when in Lisbon at the end of the
50's.
At the time, the Portuguese capital was the European port
entry for newly arrived Brazilians, and as such, it was here
that the songs composed by Dorival Caymmi, João Gilberto,
Antônio Carlos Jobim, Vinícius de Moraes and
Luiz Bonfa received their first rapturous reception.
With her pianist husband Alex Biancheri, she was under Bossa's
spell on her return to Paris, and decided to spread the good
Brazilian word.
Signing to Polydor gave her the means to form a full-scale
orchestra (partly made up of Brazilian musicians) and to record
in 1962 this classics-filled album also comprising original
material.
A shining declaration of love for Brazilian rhythms, a veritable
manifesto of proud and uninhibited European Bossa, this timeless
masterpiece brimming with bright and generous songs lit up
the way to Brazil's infinite softness at the dawn of the 60's.
A path that will be taken by many more to come. |