Next week, João Bosco, Brazil's legendary master of bossa nova and post-bossa nova pop known as música popular Brasileira will be making a rare appearance at New York's Birdland club, from June 4 to 8. He'll be joined by Ricardo Silveira (guitar), Guto Wirtti (bass) and Kiko Freitas (drums).
I don't know how producer Pat Philips does it, but she always manages to bring the finest Brazilian masters to New York each year, and this run won't disappoint. Bosco's voice and guitar will lull you into tranquil, uplifted state and transport you to the beaches of Rio. For tickets and information about the Birdland sets at 7 and 9:30 p.m., go here.
A soulful singer-songwriter and guitarist, Bosco, 77, first emerged in the 1970s and quickly won the hearts of audiences and musicians and singers alike. As an accompanist, Bosco's plays with seductive rhythms and creates impossibly beautiful chord voicings. As a singer, his voice is yearning and earthy, with a confessional tone. And as a songwriter, his pop sensibility has won fans of all ages.
If you're in New York next week and are wondering now what you'd be in for should you decide to go to Birdland while Bosco is there, here are 10 clips that should knock you out:
Here's Bosco with Diana Krall...
Here's Bosco in 1979...
Here's Bosco with Nelson Faria...
Here's Bosco singing Prêt à Porter de Tafetá, a hit he co-wrote with Aldir Blanc...
Here's Bosco with Gonzalo Rubalcaba...
Here's Bosco with Liz Rosa singing Pret-a-porter de Tafetá...
Here's Bosco with Chico Buarque singing his song Bom Tempo...
Here's Bosco in 1987...
Here's Bosco with guitarist Lee Ritenour...
Here's Bosco with Roberta Sá...