When the bossa nova craze swept through the jazz world in the 1950s, it swept with it a guitarist named Luiz Bonfá.
Bonfá was already fairly established in Brazil by this time, but the American fascination with younger artists like Gilberto and Jobim was a rising tide that lifted many Brazillian boats. Already in his 30s when he left for New York to capitalize on the style’s popularity, Bonfá probably owes a fair bit of his success and wealth to bossa nova.
Which is strange, because his style is pretty different from the restrained, mumbly beach music of his contemporaries.
Okay, he did put out plenty of music that would be right at home on a bossa nova compilation album, but lots of his music lands miles away from that style. His 1972 record Introspection has the feel of Segovia and the album art of Herbie Hancock, and it’s a wonderful album for easing yourself into winter, or a Monday, or a new year…or anything that needs easing into, really.
What makes this a beautiful song:
1. The guitar is (I’m pretty sure) a 12-string, which gives a richness and breadth that’s hard to accomplish otherwise.
2. Just to remind you that this was recorded in the 1970s, there are little moments where he throws in wah-wah guitar effects.
3. With no real tempo, Bonfá is free to speed up and slow down whenever he wants to. As if he’s the tide and we’re the ones being lifted.
Recommended listening activity:
Drinking strong coffee out of a small mug.