Bossa Nova

Being the son of a renowned jazz guitarist can be daunting, but Bucky Pizzarelli's son John, a guitarist since the age of six, has been building a formidable career of his own since fronting his first trio in the early 1990s. With Bossa Nova, Pizzarelli continues to pursue thoughtfully realized thematic projects. This set mixes exceptional versions of five songs by Antonio Carlos Jobim with luscious Brazilian adaptations of standards (including Gershwin's "Fascinating Rhythm") and a couple of Pizzarelli originals. The small ensemble interplay is warmly recorded, and the addition of chorus vocals and string or flute quartets on some of the material adds spice and variety. --David Greenberger