Brazilian Jazz

Even though he is known primarily as a composer of songs, Antonio Carlos Jobim wrote his share of atmospheric bossa instrumentals. The influence of jazz harmonies can be heard on the works of Milton Nascimento, one of Brazil's leading pop artists. A moody re-recording of "Veracruz" is a prime example of this tendency.

The married couple of percussionist Airto Moreira and vocalist Flora Purim brought Brazilian jazz to the U.S. through a stellar collaboration with keyboardist Chick Corea and his group Return To Forever. A subtle experimentalist, guitarist Egberto Gismonti brings a jazzy approach to his heady fusion of instrumental dissonance and rustic folk rhythms.

One of the classiest bandleaders in Latin jazz, vibes player Cal Tjader had a weakness for the silky beats of Brazil. Stan Kenton, Eddie Harris and George Duke are just a few of the many American jazz players who recorded Brazilian inspired tracks throughout their careers. Even Duke Ellington had fun with the irresistible "One Note Samba."

The connection between Brazilian music and jazz has always been particularly fruitful. At the epicenter of the bossa nova explosion was Getz/Gilberto, the 1964 session that composer Antonio Carlos Jobim, singer/guitarist Joao Gilberto and his wife Astrud recorded with American saxophonist Stan Getz. Here's an overview of the Brazilian artists who mixed jazz with the rhythms of their land, as well as the many mainstream jazzmen who fell under the spell of the samba.