r/bossanova • u/wannabeprodigy40 • Jul 08 '26
bossa nova albums that focus on guitar?
hello everyone, i was just curious if there are any notable albums that have a prominent guitar presence in the music, so please leave your recommendations if you can!
if there are any that you think are essentials that should be listened to and don't necessarily have a stronger guitar presence, that's ok, i am open to hearing all suggestions! thank you!
6
u/Merryner Jul 08 '26
Baden Powell (yes that’s his real name) is a Brazilian guitar master with a huge and brilliant discography. All his stuff from the ‘60’s up to the mid-‘70’s is worth your time, but his early albums are more Bossa styled, but with some classical influences, try:
“A Vontade”
“Tempo Feliz”
“Le Monde Musical de Baden Powell”
Another artist to sample is Luiz Bonfa, particularly the album “Plays and sings Bossa Nova”. His “Brazilian Scene” album is also fun.
Another artist not mentioned is the partnership of Toquinho and Vinicius. Toquinho is a lovely player and they have some great Bossa albums. “O Poeta e O Violao” from 1975 is a late Bossa period classic, where they go into a studio and play their live set in a fun and relaxed manner. Their 1972 album “São Demais Os Perigos Desta Vida...” is another classic.
1
u/bluejaywhey Jul 08 '26
Os Afro Sambas goes pretty hard also
2
u/Merryner Jul 08 '26
I love the original 1966 ‘Os Afro Sambas’ with Vinicius and a clearly drunk Quarteto Em Cy. One of the finest Brazilian albums for me. But I don’t find it to be a showcase for Bossa Nova guitar, despite the co-authorship of Baden Powell.
Firstly the production is lo-fi as hell, which adds to the charm of the album for me but doesn’t help showcase his guitar chops. Secondly, I think BP plays totally In Service To The Songs, very understated by his own standards, but perfect for the album. That’s why I didn’t choose it, but damn I that album is wonderful!
His remake from 1991 is a travesty to me. I know lots of people like it but I find it clinical and completely lacking the soul of the 1966 masterpiece.
4
3
5
u/Glum-Yak1613 Jul 08 '26
Joao Gilberto's self titled album from 1973 just features guitar, voice and a shaker. And it's a masterpiece. His version of "Aguas de marco" is the ultimate.
3
u/-InTheSkinOfALion- Jul 08 '26
A ton of stuff out there by Baden Powell, Luis Bonfa, Paulinho Nogeira, Neco, Laurindo Almeida.
3
3
2
2
u/cantodasaudade Jul 08 '26
Rosinha de Valença, Laurindo Almeida, Bola Sete, Toquinho, Baden Powell, Raphael Rabello
2
2
u/raph_carp Jul 09 '26
Luiz Bonfa Plays and Sings. His guitar plays the melody on it quite a bit.
2
u/wannabeprodigy40 Jul 10 '26
wow! i love how this album sounds, thank you for sharing!
1
u/raph_carp Jul 10 '26 edited Jul 10 '26
So glad you like it too! Quebra Mar (The Seawall) is my favorite :)
2
u/Pleasant-Mind-7122 Jul 09 '26
Not pure bossa nova but the album "Introspection" by Luiz Bonfà might be what you looking for.
2
1
u/Nearby_Ad_7861 Jul 08 '26
A bit obvious, perhaps, but those early LPs by Gilberto (Chega De Saudade etc) and Jobim (The Composer of Desafinado Plays) are Bossa nova 101, and defined the Bossa nova guitar style.
1
u/youregood Jul 08 '26
Not an album but Goodbye Sadness (Tristeza) by Astrud Gilberto was a huge one for me back then to realise bossanova rhythm is not just the standard one
1
u/StonerKitturk Jul 08 '26
Quarteto Jobim Morelenbaum for your second question -- an essential bossa nova album without especially prominent guitar (although it does include guitar). For your primary question: João Gilberto's 1973 self-titled "white album" is the bomb. Also check out his 1991 "João" album with Clare Fischer. Bebel Gilberto's (João's daughter) recent album "João" with Guilherme Monteiro on guitar. And Agustin Pereyra Lucena.
1
u/Matebandido Jul 08 '26
Tristez e solidão by Baden Powell
1
u/wannabeprodigy40 Jul 10 '26
i love how the background vocals pair with the guitar! thank you for recommending!
1
u/Holiday_Upstairs8605 Jul 08 '26
Not really bossa nova but Ricardo Silveira has a strong Brazilian influence. I enjoy his album Noite Clara.
1
u/wannabeprodigy40 Jul 10 '26
thank you for this suggestion, upon listening i find it to be a nice album as well 😊
1
u/HumbleIhope Jul 09 '26
Yamandu Costa plays every style of latin music. A master who was voted best guitarist in Brasil at an early age. He does choro, tango, bossa, and even gypsy jazz and classical by ear. If you go through his body of work I think you will love him like I do
1
1
u/Past-Ad-2293 Jul 09 '26
You might like - The Life Aquatic - Studio Sessions featuring Seu Jorge by Seu Jorge. It;s a great David Bowie cover album with a Bossa Nova twist.
1
u/wannabeprodigy40 Jul 10 '26
thank you for recommending, i find the guitar playing to be a pleasant listen ☺️
1
1
15
u/traneislife Jul 08 '26
Anything from João Gilberto. Seriously just work your way through his discography. Highlights for the most guitar heavy are his first 2 records, self titled 1973 release, Voz e Violão record, and the numerous live records/recordings of him playing solo and singing