Even though, by trying to explain to you what Bossa Nova actually is I will introduce you into the wonderful world of Irio de Paula and Gianni Basso. 'Recado Bossa Nova' is a record that collects together and assembles memories of the beautiful Italy of the early seventies, you only have to think of the fantastic records from the Horo label on which Gianni and Irio were main players in that period.
To reinforce these memories is the 'reassuring' presence of Giorgio Rosciglione in the studio (another member of the historical Italian group Balanco together with Irio) along with his long time stable mate Gegè Munari on the drums. And as for Gegè, it would be quicker and easier for me to list the Italian Jazz records that don't feature him rather than those that do... Finally, on piano and arranging we find Riccardo Biseo, a great lover of Bossa Nova as well as being a magnificent musician.
The elegant way in which the sax and guitar intertwine makes this piece of work of the highest quality. Irio de Paula is a great maestro who alone manages to sustain rhythmically and harmonically every song and offers Gianni Basso the possibility of unleashing his nowadays well known class. An excellent sound, clean, perfect timing and a capacity of improvisation with that which is being played makes him one of the greatest Italian realities. Very valid also is the interplay that is obvious throughout the entire works seeing as both Gianni and Irio seem to bounce ideas off of each other whilst at the same time following each others timing and improvisation. Regarding the repertoire, I believe that I have chosen well amongst the various South American songs (and not only). They are songs that, on the Jazz scene, are considered to be evergreen and for this reason also it is even harder trying to propose them in original ways. I must however underline that the principal element of this work is the coming together of these two musicians and not only the choice of songs.
For that which concerns Irio de Paula I can say that there is a light inside of him of pure energy, a desire that has remained 'intact for years' to follow dreams and projects and live by his music. I haven't personally known Irio for a long time but I believe that his love of music has never known any compromises...
Irio arrived in Italy in 1969 together with his drummer Afonso Vieira and the Brazilian singer Elza Soares. This group of his soon became very popular due to their unrepeatable and different musical atmosphere that took them on to play a long series of concerts.
In short I can honestly say that this record represents the utmost of that which Irio, Gianni and their friends have been playing throughout all these years.
I wanted to be very clear with you all but in the end I fear that I have just written a long list of words that don't really explain anything about the true significance of Bossa.
Luck would have it though that you have in your hands an entire record to listen to and I am sure you will learn a lot. Happy listening!
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