Antonio Carlos Jobim – A certain mr Jobim – 1967

[Roland Bru]

Music as can be heard on this album tends to be underrated nowadays. The vocals (by Joao Gilberto) hardly memorable, it all tends to sound a bit the same, and in the end, the bossa nova / samba feel gets on your nerves. You want some action. However, one has to realise that this album is more than 40 years old, that it, and others from the same period, revolutionised jazz and pop music, especially in the states. Besides, do not blame the originators for their weak followers in the 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s.

This music is relaxing, almost new age, if performed instrumentally and great fun to listen to while reading a book. It will make you happy, but I’d prefer Astrud Gilberto to sing the songs anyday.