Big Band Bossa Nova: The Newest Latin American Rhythm

Even when he was a full-time jazz cat, Quincy Jones always had an ear for the pop aesthetic. This 1962 record does contain a good bit of, how you say, queijo in its unsubtle arrangements, but it is for the most part an accessible, entertaining, and bubbly affair. And with musicians of the caliber of Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Paul Gonsalves, Clark Terry, Jim Hall (who can't help but be tasteful), and Phil Woods all contributing ideas, a baseline quality is assured. Most significantly, Jones goes beyond the expected Jobim and Bonfa cuts to fit Lerner & Loewe and even Mingus into bossa nova's bright clothes. --Marc Greilsamer