Song: “Corcovado”
Artist: Antônio Carlos Jobim
Album: The Composer of Desafinado, Plays (1963)
For plush, indulgent Bossa nova that sounds crafted for a swanky cocktail hour, peep Latin jazz legend Antônio Carlos Jobim’s ’63 freshman studio album: a sleek, heartfelt array of now-staples (“The Girl From Ipanema”, “So Danco Samba”, “Agua De Beber”) and ever-understated deep cuts (“Insensatez [How Insensitive]”, “Chega De Saudade”).
Featuring the Brazilian artist on both piano and guitar, the olive-green, twelve-track retro LP still stands as the music world’s initial meet-and-greet with Jobim, before Astrud Gilberto covers, Ella Fitzgerald album shout-outs, and Frank Sinatra collabs. The album was recorded in NYC, German producer Claus Ogerman lending his arrangement skills for a seamless effect.
“Corcovado”, its English translation “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars”, is track 7 of The Composer of Desfinado, Plays: a sly, enticing samba that melts in your mouth. Featuring coy piano, longing strings, and subdued brush-drumming by Edison Machado, the wistful track feels like blissful swaying on a mid-summer night.
