Brazilian Byrd

Read About This Recording

Although guitarist Charlie Byrd's original influence was Charlie Christian, by the late 1950s, he was one of the pioneers in exploring Brazilian music. Playing acoustic rather than electric guitar, Byrd was always a lover of beautiful melodies and when he teamed up with Stan Getz for the classic Jazz/Samba, their renditions of Antonio Carlos Jobim tunes (particularly their hit "Desafinado") introduced bossa-nova to the United States.

Byrd, who also loved playing bebop and swing standards (in later years he often held his own with Barney Kessel and Herb Ellis as a member of the Great Guitars), emphasized Brazilian music and bossa-novas frequently throughout his productive career. For this CD reissue (recorded during 1964-65), Byrd's guitar is joined by strings, brass and woodwinds arranged by Tommy Newsom. The 13 performances (including a previously unissued alternate take of "Engano") are all of Jobim tunes including "So Danco Samba," "Corcovado," "The Girl From Ipanema," "Dindi" and "Someone to Light Up My Life" plus some lesser-known melodies. The easy-listening arrangements are tasteful, Byrd's pretty guitar is in the spotlight throughout and he consistently displays his ability to uplift melodies with subtle improvisations.

A delightful set of beautiful music.

—Scott Yanow

Extended Article

Charlie Byrd graciously shares the spotlight with composer Antonio Carlos Jobim and arranger Tom Newsom to create Brazillian Byrd. These recordings contain wonderful Brazilian arrangements and Charlie Byrd's unamplified guitar is perfect for the flow of these Latin American Melodies.

Contents

Jazz 'N' Samba (So Danco Samba); Corcovado; That Look You Wear (Êste Seu Olhar); The Girl From Ipanema; Samba Do Avaião (Song of the Jet); Engano; O Amor Em Paz; Dindi; Cancão Do Amor Demais; As Praias Desertas; Samba Torto; Someone To Light Up My Life (Se Todos Fossem Iguais A Você; Engano.

Charlie Byrd, Strings/Brass/Woodwinds.