This week I am featuring a man whose music is a favorite of many jazz artists and pop singers — Antonio Carlos Brasileiro de Almeida Jobim, or Tom Jobim, as he is known in the music world. Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1927, Jobim was a popular Brazilian songwriter, composer, arranger, singer, and pianist/guitarist. He will be remembered as the force behind the Bossa Nova.
No doubt you are familiar with his most famous composition – “The Girl From Ipanema.” It was originally recorded by Andy Williams and later by practically every jazz artist. To experience Jobim, access YouTube and type in “Andy Williams and Antonio Carlos Jobim – Girl From Ipanema.”
Jobim’s Latin rhythms are intoxicating. As a drummer with many years of playing in jazz ensembles, drumming along with Latin music is like going to percussion heaven. It’s a chance to add innovative sounds and “grooves,” the rhythm patterns we play. In turn, the instrumentalists pick up on the “groove” and they become enchanted with the combination of Latin rhythms and jazz integration.
The man responsible for making the most of Jobim’s compositions is Sergio Mendes and his Brazil 66. Dancing With The Stars often features Jobim’s pieces for their Latin dances.
One of my favorite Jobim compositions is “A Day in the Life of a Fool,” also known as “Black Orpheus.” To hear a great rendition on YouTube, type in “Frank Sinatra – A Day in the Life of a Fool.” If you feel like being transported to Rio, type in “Wave – Tom Jobim.” To hear the same song sung in English, try “Wave – Tom Jobim and Gal Costa.” One more selection that I can’t resist is “Tom Jobim e Gal Costa – Corcovado – Rio revisited Los Angeles 1987.” You’re sure to find it intoxicating.
Jobim’s music became popular in the English-speaking world when he collaborated with Brazilian guitarist Joao Gilberto and American jazz saxophonist Stan Getz. You will find their recordings on YouTube under Getz/Gilberto.
I hope you enjoy your musical visit to Rio. And don’t blame me if you can’t get those great rhythms out of your head!
One more thing: Gary Krewer plays great tunes on Huntley radio each Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 9:30 p.m. Check it out!
Reader comment:
“Congratulations on your prolific writing. Also, as you know, there have been many great jazz tenor men in the past in addition to those you mention in your article. Some of my favorites were Gene Ammons, Sonny Stitt (listen to their duets), Illinois Jacquet (Jazz at the Philharmonic), Flip Phillips (great, great tenor man), Georgie Auld (listen to his rendition of Body and Soul) and many, many more whose names escape me at the moment.”
Frank Ardito
Sun City resident
