Bossa Nova - A New Wave of Music

Origins and Key Figures

• Meaning: Bossa Nova translates to "new wave" or "new trend."
• Birthplace: Originated on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro in the late 1950s.
• Key Figures:
  • Joao Gilberto
  • Antonio Carlos Jobim (Tom Jobim)
  • Vinicius de Moraes

Important Songs and Contributions

• First Bossa Nova Song: "Beanbalm" by Joao Gilberto (written around 1956, released in 1958).
• Historical Impact: "Chega de Saudades" on the same album as "Beanbalm," composed by Jobim and lyrics by Vinicius.
  • Introduced Jobim's relaxed vocal style and syncopated guitar rhythm.
• Collaborations:
  • "How Insensitive"
  • "The Girl From Ipanema" - second most recorded song after "Yesterday" by The Beatles.
• Notable Compositions by Jobim:
  • "Wave"
  • "Corcovado"
  • "Desafinado"
  • "One Note Samba"

Influences and Predecessors

• Samba Canção: A samba-influenced style from the late 40s and early 50s by Luis Bonfa.
  • Influential in Bossa Nova's refined sound.
  • Notable songs: "Mana da Canava," "Samba de Orfeu"

Musical Characteristics

• Rhythm and Harmony:
  • 2-4 feel, with rich jazz harmonies, but swaying instead of swinging.
  • Softer sound and slower tempo than samba.
  • Relaxed, laid-back singing style.
  • Harmony includes jazzy chords: major 9ths, major 6th 9ths, minor 11ths, and altered dominants.
• Lyrical Themes:
  • Women, nature, and love.
  • Notable Lyrics:
    • "The Girl From Ipanema": Describes a tall, tan, young, lovely girl.
    • "Corcovado": Quiet nights and chords.
    • "Once I Loved": Melancholic love.

Global Influence

• 1963 Album "Getz/Gilberto": International fame for Bossa Nova, featuring saxophonist Stan Getz.
• Corcovado: A mountain in Rio with the statue of Christ the Redeemer, featured in the thematic content of Bossa Nova.

Conclusion

• Bossa Nova is a genre that transports listeners to the beaches of Rio, creating a feel-good ambiance.
• Invitation for questions or comments for further discussion.