Nicola Conte Presents Viagem

Italian jazz hero Nicola Conte (Blue Note) sings his Brazilian tune!

‘Viagem’ is a compilation of Brazilian bossa nova and hard edged samba jazz from Blue Note’s recording artist, Nicola Conte. The first in a series of DJ compiled albums for 2008 and coinciding with the celebration of 50 years of bossa nova (1958 – 2008), ‘Viagem’ pays testament to some of the seminal jazz inspired bossa nova and experimental music circa 1962 – 1970.

Highlights include a re-interpretation of Baden Powell’s and Vinicius Moraes all time classic, ‘Canto De Ossanha’ by Trio Maraya and Bossa Jazz Trio’s version of Jorge Ben’s ‘Vamos Embora Uau’.

This unique collection of Nicola Conte’s personal favourites comes from a defining era in Brazil’s musical and cultural history. All tracks featured derive from the independent labels who helped develop the sound of bossa nova coming out of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro in the 60s. RGE, Som Maior and Fermata record labels were focused on a new wave of artists heavily influenced by jazz and rock and in the case of RGE, would later develop Jovem Guarda artists such as Erasmos Carlos and Edgard & Os Tais and jazz groups like Zimbo Trio to great acclaim both in Brazil and on the international stage.

Tenorio Jr sets the tempo for the album with his pacey two minute piano laden anthem ‘Nebulosa’. First featured on Tenorio Jr’s only ever album called ‘Embalo’, ‘Nebulosa’ has been considered truly classic by many discerning jazz critics. ‘Samadhi’ is the other Tenorio Jr cut featured and is a much slower and more emotive affair also taken from his 1964 album on RGE. Tenorio’s influence on this album cannot be underestimated as his arrangements and virtuoso piano playing can be heard on Wanda Sa’s ‘Vivo Sonhando’. Original member of Sergio Mendes’ Brasil 66, Wanda Sa’s reinterpretation of this classic Tom Jobim track is a master-class in kitsch big band bossa, produced by Roberto Menescal.

‘Canto De Ossahna’ needs no introduction as it’s regarded as one of the defining tracks of the era originally on Baden Powell and Vinicius Moraes’ seminal ‘Afro-samba’ LP. Trio Maraya recreate the atmosphere originally intended with added vocal harmonies enlightening the experience. Ana Lucia also offers a moody and classic introduction to ‘Balanco Do Mar’, later bursting into life helped by a supreme piano and flute solo.

‘Viagem’ offers both high-octane jazz influenced bossa and the anthemic and African influenced samba associated with more traditional Brazilian world music. ‘Bambe Lo’ falls into the latter category produced by artist and TV commercial producer by day, Edgard and his band ‘Os Tais’. Other anthems come from Yvette with her uplifting rendition of ‘Preconceito’. With the help of flautist Hermeto Pascoal, Claudia & Brazilian Octopus produce an obscenely positive and smile inducing version of ‘Gusto De Ser Como Sou’. Djalma Dias provides equal measures of goodness with the help of Sambossa 5 and their track ‘Cidade Vazia’.

NICOLA CONTE (Blue Note/Schema Records)

The stamp of Nicola Conte is one that ensures integrity and quality in equal measure. His musical endeavours in the last decade surpass what most artists and producers would hope for in a lifetime. His album ‘Other Directions’ released on the historic and seminal jazz record label Blue Note Records in 2004 taking the pick. Synonymous with any endorsement by Nicola Conte is a jazz sensibility that speaks volumes and is based on a dedication and gut determination to revitalise and reignite jazz. Thus it is no surprise that ‘Viagem’ takes a discerningly jazz orientated approach to this very exciting period of bossa nova’s development.

“This is music that is completely lost now – the choice of chords, harmonies and melodies and how the rhythm section plays – people just don’t play music like this anymore. ‘There are some classic tunes that people will know yet also some tunes they won’t that are deep, deeper than many people would expect from a Brazilian record” Nicola Conte

"Wonderful! One of the Latin releases of the year. Packed full off nuggets of top quality. Latin music as we like it, simply dripping with soul." The Craig Charles Funk And Soul Show, BBC6 Music

“Yes this track is in my vinyl collection. A classic Jazz dance anthem. Lovely” Alex Attias

“Bravo Nicola!“ Ursula 1000

Various Artists - Nicola Conte Presents Viagem (FARO126)

CD Album

1.		Tenorio Jr - Nebulosa
2.		Trio Maraya - Canto De Ossanha
3.		Hector Costita Sexo - Tokio
4.		Wanda Sa - Vivo Sonhando
5.		Ana Lucia - Balanço Mar
6.		Zimbo Trio - Zimbo Samba
7.		Djalma Dias and Sambossa 5 - Cidade Vazia
8.		Octeto de Cesar Camargo Mariano - Sambules
9.		Yvette - Preconceito
10.		Bossa Jazz Trio - Vamos Embora Uau
11.		Sansa Trio - Samba Em Blue
12.		Edgard and Os Tais - Bambe Lo
13.		Claudia and Brazilian Octopus - Gusto Deser Tomo Sou
14.		Som 3 - Margarida b
15.		Tenorio Jr - Samadhi

Various Artists - Nicola Conte Presents Viagem (FARO126)

Download Album

1.		Tenorio Jr - Nebulosa
2.		Trio Maraya - Canto De Ossanha
3.		Hector Costita Sexo - Tokio
4.		Wanda Sa - Vivo Sonhando
5.		Ana Lucia - Balanço Mar
6.		Zimbo Trio - Zimbo Samba
7.		Djalma Dias and Sambossa 5 - Cidade Vazia
8.		Octeto de Cesar Camargo Mariano - Sambules
9.		Yvette - Preconceito
10.		Bossa Jazz Trio - Vamos Embora Uau
11.		Sansa Trio - Samba Em Blue
12.		Edgard and Os Tais - Bambe Lo
13.		Claudia and Brazilian Octopus - Gusto Deser Tomo Sou
14.		Som 3 - Margarida b
15.		Tenorio Jr - Samadhi

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