Song No. 206 — Bim Bom | João Gilberto (1958)

Bim Bom was introduced by João Gilberto in August 1958 as the B-side to Chega de Saudade. Recorded on 10 July and arranged and conducted by Antônio Carlos Jobim, Bim Bom was Gilberto’s only original composition apart from Hô-bá-lá-lá on his debut album Chega de Saudade, released in March 1959.

Bim Bom was written as early as 1955 or 1956 in João Gilberto do Prado Pereira de Oliveira’s hometown of Juazeiro, inspired, so the legend goes, by the rhythmic walk with which the laundresses on the banks of the São Francisco River balanced their laundry on their heads.

Although it was recorded only a few times in Brazil in the 1960s, Bim Bom enjoyed considerable popularity in the USA from 1962 onwards, fuelled by Stan Getz’s recording on his Big Band Bossa Nova album, arranged by Gary McFarland. Arranged by Gil Evans, Bim Bom became one of Astrud Gilberto’s best-known interpretations in 1966.

Selected recordings of Bim Bom:

1. João Gilberto from the single Chega de Saudade b/w Bim Bom (1958, Odeon14.360)  and the album Chega de Saudade (1959, Odeon MOFB 3073)

   
Artwork for Chega de Saudade by César G. Villela with photographs by Francisco Pereira

2. Oscar Castro Neves from the album Bossa Nova Mesmo (1960, Philips P 630.424 L)

   

3. Juarez Araújo from the album Bossa Nova nos ‘States’ (1962, Masterplay MDL 13020)

   

4. Stan Getz from the EP Big Band Bossa Nova (1962, Verve/Copacabana VMLP 14017)

Artwork for Big Band Bossa Nova with painting by Olga Albizu

5. Sérgio Mendes & Brasil ’66 from the album Equinox (1967, A&M Records [USA] SP 4122 and Fermata [BRA] FB-184)

   
Artwork for Equinox by Peter Whorf Graphics

6. Milton Banana from the album Todo Dia é Dia (1968, Odeon MOFB 3524)

   
Artwork for Todo Dia é Dia by Studio Maitry

Selected medleys including Bim Bom:

1. Lennie Dale e Bossa Três from the album Um Show de Bossa (1964, Elenco ME-12)

   
Artwork for Um Show de Bossa by César G. Villela with photographs by Francisco Pereira

Selected recordings of Bim Bom originally not issued in Brazil:

1. João Gilberto from the album Getz/Gilberto #2 (1965, Verve Records [USA] V6-8623)

Artwork for Getz/Gilberto #2 by Acy Lehman  with painting by Olga Albizu

2. Astrud Gilberto from the album Look to the Rainbow (1966, Verve Records [USA] V6-8643)

   
Artwork for Look to the Rainbow by Acy Lehman with photograph by Joel Elkins

3. Ornella Vanoni from the album Ai Miei Amici Cantautori (1968, Ariston Records [Italy] AR/LP 10020)

   

4. Sadao Watanabe from the album Sadao Meets Brazilian Friends (1968, Columbia [Japan] XMS-10003-CT)

BIM BOM

Bim bom bim bim bom bom • Bim bom bim bim bom bim bom • Bim bom bim bim bom bom • Bim bom bim bim bom bim bim

É só isso o meu baião • E não tem mais nada, não • O meu coração pediu assim, só

Bim bom bim bim bom bom • Bim bom bim bim bom bim bom • Bim bom bim bim bom bom • Bim bom bim bim bom bim bim

É só isso o meu baião • E não tem mais nada, não • O meu coração pediu assim, só

Bim bom bim bim bom bom • Bim bom bim bim bom bom • Só tem bom bim bom bim bim

Song No. 191 — Samba de Uma Nota Só | Antônio Carlos Jobim & Newton Mendonça (1960)

Samba de Uma Nota Só was introduced in 1960 by João Gilberto Pereira de Oliveira, recorded on April 4 and released in May as the opening track on his second solo album O Amor, O Sorriso e a Flor, arranged and conducted by Jobim and produced by Aloysio de Oliveira. The song was also released as the first single from the album and was a hit on numerous local charts in May and June 1960.

Samba de Uma Nota Só is one of 17 songs by the duo Jobim and Mendonça, 13 of which were recorded and two of which are lost. Although he is often seen as just one of Jobim’s lyricists, they composed their songs together, in “four hands”, as Newton himself once put it. Along with Desafinado and Meditação, Samba de Uma Nota Só is certainly Mendonça’s most famous song. He died of a heart attack on 22 November 1960 at the age of 33.

In Brazil, Samba de Uma Nota Só was a success in 1960 and 1961, but its popularity remained rather modest, with only eleven recordings, although it did include excellent versions by Sylvia Telles and Juarez Araújo, among others. On 13 February 1962, however, Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd recorded their six-minute instrumental version in Pierce Hall of the All Souls Church in Washington D.C., which was released shortly afterwards on their album Jazz Samba. The album became a number one success in the USA and one of the pioneers of bossa nova jazz worldwide. This recording helped the song to international success, which reverberated in Brazil in 1963 and 1964 with numerous other recordings, making Samba de Uma Nota Só one of the iconic songs of bossa nova.

The adapted English lyrics titled One Note Samba were penned by American jazz lyricist and singer Jon Hendricks, with two different versions. The Italian lyrics were adapted by Giorgio Calabrese and the French by Eddy Marnay.

Selected recordings of Samba de Uma Nota Só:

1. João Gilberto from singles Samba de Uma Nota Só b/w Doralice (1960, Odeon BZB 1010), Doralice b/w Samba de Uma Nota Só (1960, Odeon 14.614) and the album O Amor, O Sorriso e a Flor (1960, Odeon MOFB 3151)

   
Artwork for O Amor, O Sorriso e a Flor by César G. Villela with photographs by Francisco Pereira

2. Sylvia Telles f from single Samba de Uma Nota Só b/w Se É Tarde, Me Perdoa (1960, Philips P-61.015-H) and the album Amor en Hi-Fi (1960, Philips P 630.419 L)

   

3. Fats Elpídio from the album Piano Bossa Nova (1960, RCA Victor BBL 1102)

   

4. Os Vocalistas Modernos from the album Novamente em Foco! (1960, Philips P 630.428 L)

   
Artwork for Novamente em Foco! by Ronald with photograph by Rovigati

5. Paulinho Nogueira from the album Brasil, Violão e Sambalanço! (1960, RGE XRLP 5088)

6. Os Farroupilhas from the album Os Farroupilhas na TV (1960, Columbia LPCB 37125)

   

7. Walter Wanderley from the album O Sucesso é Samba (1960, Odeon MOFB 3204)

   
Artwork for O Sucesso é Samba by César G. Villela with photographs by Francisco Pereira

8. Os Saxsambistas Brasileiros from the album Saxsambando (1960, Plaza PZ 303), reissued as Desafinado (1962, Dauntless/Áudio Fidelity [USA] DM 4304) Sax Sambando (196?, Plaza PZ 2203) and as Sambas Que Não Se Esquece (1970, Tropicana n/a) credited to Bil Bell

   
Artwork for Saxsambando by Michel Schachter

   

   
Artwork for Saxsambando by Michel Schachter

   

9. Renato de Oliveira aka Cid Gray from the album Samba… Samba… Samba! (1960, SBA SBA-001)

10. Radamés Gnattali from the album Segredo para Dois (1960, Continental LPP 3116)

11. Juarez Araújo from the album Juarez Araújo Sua Excia. O Sax (1961, Carroussell SELP 3009) aka O Inimitável Juarez (1962, Masterplay MDL 13019)

   

12. Leny Andrade from the album A Sensação (1961, RCA Victor BBL 1128)

   

13. Os 7 Velhinhos from the album Os 7 Velhinhos (1961, Musidisc XPL-5)

   

14. Carminha Mascarenhas from the album Em Cada Estrela uma Canção (1961, Copacabana CLP 11191)

   

15. Zé Maria from the album Chá Chá Chá & Companhia (1961, Tiger LP TR-006)

   

16. Geraldo Miranda from the album Dançando com Geraldo Miranda e Seus Novos Sons (1963, Odeon MOFB 3267)

17. Agostinho dos Santos from the EP No Carnegie Hall (Bossa Nova) (1962. RGE CD 80.144)

18. Luiz Loy from the album Luiz Loy e Sua Juventude Musical (1962, Odeon MOFB 3274)

   

19. Coral de Ouro Preto from the album Coral de Ouro Preto (1962, Odeon MOFB 3273)

20. Astor Silva e Oswaldo Borba from the album Metais em Brasa no Samba (1962, Philips P 630.477 L)

   

21. Laura Villa from the album Bossa Nova (1962, Polydor 46128)

22. Oscar Castro-Neves from the album Big Band Bossa Nova (1962, Audio Fidelity AFLP 1983)

   

23. Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd from the album Jazz Samba (1962, Verve Records [USA] V-8432 and 1963, Verve/Copacabana [BRA] VMLP 14006)

   
Artwork for Jazz Samba by Olga Albizu

24. Carlos Monteiro de Souza from the album Metais em Brasa na Bossa Nova (1963, Philips P 632.134 L)

   
Artwork for Metais em Brasa na Bossa Nova by Paulo Brèves with photographs by Mafra

25. Baden Powell from the album Baden Powell Swings with Jimmy Pratt (1963, Elenco ME-4)

   
Artwork for Baden Powell Swings with Jimmy Pratt by César G. Villela with photographs by Francisco Pereira

26. Héctor Costita aka Don Júnior from the  album Sambas N^o. 2 (1963, RGE XRLP 5208)

   

27. Alberto Mota from the album Quarteto de Alberto Motta (1963, Polydor LPNG 4078)

   

28. Ritmistas da Bossa Nova from the album Balanço & Bossa Nova (1963, Musiplay LPM 1105)

   

29. Orquestra Os Bossambistas from the album Só Danço Samba (1963, DIMP D-1014) re-released as  Bossa Brass Apresenta a Música Maravilhosa de Antônio Carlos Jobim credited to Bossa Brass (1966, Plaza Hi-Fi 13002)

   

30. Os Cariocas from the album A Bossa dos Cariocas (1963, Philips P 632.152 L)

    
Artwork for A Bossa dos Cariocas by Paulo Brèves

31. Trio Penumbra from the album Trio Penumbra em Bossa Nova (1963, Musicolor/Continental MLP 9084)

   

32. Orquestra Brasil Moderno from the album A Revolução (1963, Odeon MOFB 3357)

   

33. Sexteto de Jazz Moderno from the album Bossa Nova (1963, RCA Victor BBL-1222)

   

34. Turquinho from the album Samba de Bossa (1963, Chantecler CMG 2212)

   

35. Milton Banana from the album O Ritmo e o Som da Bossa Nova (1963, Audio Fidelity AFLP 1984)

   

36. Carioca from the album Samba… Ôba! (1964, Imperial/Odeon IMP 30.048)

   
Artwork for Samba… Ôba! by Eddie Moyna

37. Conjunto 3-D from the album Tema 3-D (1964, RCA Victor BBL 1287)

   

38. Eumir Deodato from the album Inútil Paisagem (1964, Forma FM-1)

Artwork for Inútil Paisagem by Patrícia Tattersfield

39. Modern Jazz Quartet with Laurindo Almeida from the album Collaboration (1964, Atlantic [USA] 1429), issued in Brazil as The Modern Jazz Quartet – Artista Convidado: Laurindo Almeida (1965, Philips SLP – 9175)

   

   

40. SylviaTelles from the album Sylvia Telles Sings the Wonderful Songs of Antônio Carlos Jobim (1965, Kapp Records [USA] KL-1451), issued in Brazil as The Music of Mr. Jobim by Sylvia Telles (1966, Elenco MEV-5)

   

Artwork for The Music of Mr. Jobim by Sylvia Telles by Eddie Moyna

41. Baden Powell from the album Ao Vivo no Teatro Santa Rosa (1966, Elenco ME-30)

   
Artwork for Ao Vivo no Teatro Santa Rosa by Eddie Moyna with photographs by Francisco Pereira and Paulo Lougus

42. Henrique Simonetti from the album Samba Maravilhoso (1971, Premier/RGE PRLP 1149)

Selected recordings of Samba de Uma Nota Só originally not issued in Brazil:

1. Caterina Valente from the album Caterina Show (1962, Decca [ITA] LKI 4702)

2. Caterina Valente from the EP Samba de Uma Nota Só (1962, Decca [POR] PEP1040)

   

3. Lalo Schifrin from the album Bossa Nova New Brazilian Jazz (1962, Audio Fidelity [USA] AFSD 5981)

   

4. Jean Claude Pascal from the album Jean Claude Pascal  (1962, La Voix de Son Maître [FRA] FDLP 1107)

   

5. June Christy from the single One Note Samba b/w Bossa Nova (1962, Capitol Records [USA] 4864) and the single Bossa Nova b/w One Note Samba (1963, Capitol Records [ITA] F.4864)

   

6. Coleman Hawkins from the album Desafinado: Bossa Nova & Jazz Samba (1962, Impulse! [USA] A-28)

7. Sacha Distel from the album Sacha Distel (1962, RCA Victor [FRA] 430.092)

   

8. Sérgio Mendes from the album Quiet Nights (recorded 1963, released 1966, Philips [USA] PHS 600.263)

   

9. The Dave Pell Octet from the album The Dave Pell Octet Plays Today’s Hits in Jazz (1963, Liberty [USA] LRP-3298)

10. The Hi-Lo’s from the album The Hi-Lo’s Happen To Bossa Nova (1963, Reprise Records [USA] R-6066)

   

11. Dominique Michel from the album Un P’tit Bout d’Femme (1963, Apex Francais [CAN] ALF 1559)

   

12. Laila Kinnunen from the EP Bossa Nova (1963, Scandia [FIN] SEP 179)

13. The Howard Roberts Quartet from the album H.R. Is A Dirty Guitar Player (1963, Capitol Records [USA] T 1961)

   

14. Peggy Lee from the album I’m a Woman (1963, Capitol Records [USA] ST 1857)

   

15. Lambert, Hendricks & Bavan from the album Recorded Live at Basin Street East (1963, RCA Victor [USA] LSP-2635)

16. Nancy Wilson from the album Today, Tomorrow, Forever (1964, Capitol Records [USA]  ST 2082)

17. Preben Kaas and Jørgen Ryg from the album Preben Kaas Og Jørgen Ryg (1964, Polydor [DEN] LUPM 7022)

   

18. André Previn from the album The Popular Previn (1965, Columbia [USA] CS 9094)

   

19. Manfred Burzlaff Quartet featuring Gloria Steward from the album Jazz For Dancing (1965, Elite Special [GER] SO LPS-283)

   

20. Clare Fischer from the album So Danço Samba (1965, World Pacific Records [USA]  ST-1830)

   

21. Alan Haven with Tony Crombie from the album Latin Sounds for the Small Hours (1967, Fontana [UK] DTL202)

22. Horacio Malvicino from the album The Brazilian Touch of Malvicino (1967, Microfon [ARG] I-159)

23. The Brass Choir Conducted by Warren Kime from the album Brass Impact (1967, Command [USA] RS 33-910)

   

24. Kōnosuke Saijō and His Bossa Nova Quintet from the album Massachusetts in Bossa (1968, Crown [JAP] GW-5023)

25. Frank Sinatra & Antônio Carlos Jobim from the unissued album Sinatra–Jobim (1969, Reprise), partly issued as Sinatra & Company (1971, Reprise Records [USA] FS-1033 + 1973, Reprise Records/Continental RLLP 2019)

26. Duncan Lamont from the album Best of the Bossa Novas (1970, Music For Pleasure [UK] MFP 1357)

   

27. Nico Gomez from the album Nico Gomez et Son Orchestre (1975, Music For Pleasure [FRA] 2MO46-13248)

SAMBA DE UMA NOTA SÓ

Eis aqui este sambinha feito numa nota só • Outras notas vão entrar, mas a base é uma só • Esta outra é consequência do que acabo de dizer • Como eu sou a consequência inevitável de você

Quanta gente existe por aí que fala tanto e não diz nada • Ou quase nada • Já me utilizei de toda a escala e no final não sobrou nada • Não deu em nada

E voltei pra minha nota como eu volto pra você • Vou cantar em uma nota como eu gosto de você • E quem quer todas as notas: Ré, mi, fá, Sol, lá, si, dó • Fique sempre sem nenhuma, fica numa nota só

ONE NOTE SAMBA

This is just a little samba • Built upon a single note • Other notes are bound to follow • But the root is still that note • Now this new one is the consequence • Of the one we’ve just been through • As I’m bound to be the unavoidable consequence of you

There’s so many people who can talk and talk and talk • And just say nothing • Or nearly nothing

I have used up all the scale I know and at the end I’ve come to nothing • Or nearly nothing

So I came back to my first note • As I must come back to you • I will pour into that one note • All the love I feel for you • Anyone who wants the whole show • Re mi fa sol la si do • He will find himself with no show • Better play the note you know

English lyrics by Jon Hendricks

ONE NOTE SAMBA

In Brazil, they have a samba • With a simple melody • Just a single note is sounded • And repeated constantly

Well my love is like that samba • With that simple melody • Just a single, steady feeling • That’s repeated constantly

That’s the way my love is like • The sun that shines above • Is ever burning, a burning fire • I will leave you never • For I know that you’ll forever be • Returning my great desire

So my single note’s a symbol • Of the love I have for you • And my single note’s repeated • For my love is constant, too

Yes, if ever I should leave you • I would cry a while and then • I’d return to you, my true love • And my single note again

In Brazil, they have a samba • With a simple melody • Just a single note is sounded • And repeated constantly

Well my love is like that samba • With that simple melody • Just a single, steady feeling • That’s repeated constantly

My love is like that samba • Just a single, steady feeling • That’s the way my love is like • The sun that shines above • Is ever burning, a burning fire • I will leave you never • For I know that you’ll forever be • Returning my great desire

English lyrics by Jon Hendricks

Song No. 164 — Desafinado | Antônio Carlos Jobim & Newton Mendonça (1959)

Desafinado was introduced in February 1959 by João Gilberto as A-Side to Hô-bá-lá-lá, his second solo single. Recorded in November 1958, the song was also included on his 1959 debut album Chega de Saudade, both arranged and conducted by Antônio Carlos Jobim.

Desafinado, meaning “off-key” or “out of tune”, was Jobim and Newton’s answer to nightclub singers they had to accompany and who sang out of tune which helped critics to claim that bossa nova was a new genre for singers who can’t sing. This samba was intended to appear to be a defense of the ‘out-of-tune’ singing but actually be demanding so only an accomplished vocalist was able to perform it skilfully.

Like other Jobim compositions, the sheet music of Desafinado subsequently appeared with missing measures and melodic and harmonic modifications which annoyed Jobim as he stated in an 1994 interview, “What I find lamentable, in the case of the editors, is that they would have edited my songs all wrong. This is what upsets me. And then it all goes off to the whole world! That is the disaster! […] One of the projects I’m working on is the revision of my own compositions because the editors got everything wrong. They got the melody wrong, the harmony wrong, and the rhythm wrong“

In Brazil, Desafinado was first picked up by Ney e Seu Conjunto, an unidentified outfit that released the song as a B-side, followed by at least six more recordings that year. After only a few recordings in 1960 and 1961, at least 25 versions were released in 1963, probably triggered by the sudden international success of the song. However, Newton Ferreira de Mendonça was not allowed to experience this. Following Desafinado, he composed two more classics with Jobim, Meditação and Samba de Uma Nota Só, before his untimely death in November 1960 of a heart attack at the age of 33.

In February of 1962, Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd recorded an instrumental version which was released in April as the title track of their album and in a shortened version as the leading single. This version helped paving the way for the international success of the song as well as bossa nova. In September 1962, the first version with English lyrics was released by Pat Thomas as the leading single and title track of her second album, arranged by Lalo Schifrin. In November 1962, Ella Fitzgerald released her version recorded with Marty Paich. All three singles hit the US Billboard Charts before João Gilberto performed the song at the famous Carnegie Hall Concert on November 21, 1962. Jobim recorded his first version in 1963 on the US album The Composer of Desafinado Plays, released in Brazil the following year by Elenco as Antônio Carlos Jobim.

The first English lyrics titled Slightly Out of Tune, introduced in 1962 by Pat Thomas and Ella Fitzgerald, were written by Jon Hendricks and “Jessie Cavanaugh” (a pseudonym used by the music publishing house The Richmond Organisation). In 1967, English lyrics by Gene Lees titled Off-key were more closely based on the original and recorded by Frank Sinatra and Antônio Carlos Jobim.

Desafinado is not only an ingenious composition but became a bossa nova classic that was recorded around the world, including by Bulgarians Lea Ivanova and Eddy Kazassian, Jamaicans Byron Lee & The Dragonaires, French jazz guitarist and chanteur Sacha Distel, Finnish songstress Laila Kinnunen and many more.

Selected recordings of Desafinado:

1. João Gilberto from the single Desafinado b/w Hô-bá-lá-lá (1959, Odeon ‎14.426) and the album Chega de Saudade (1959, Odeon MOFB 3073)

   
Artwork for Chega de Saudade by César G. Villela with photographs by Francisco Pereira

2. Maurílio Santos from the album Convite Para Dançar Vol. 2 (1959, RCA Victor BBL 1043)

   

3. Jota Cláudio e Pepe Cabral from the album Dois Amigos em Ritmo de Dança (1959, Polydor LPNG 4054)

   

4. Zé Maria from the album Presente Musical (1959, Internacional CID 27017)

   

5. Zaccarias from the album Música, Maestro! (1959, RCA Victor BBL 1040)

   

6. Os Saxsambistas Brasileiros from the album Saxsambando (1960, Plaza PZ 303), reissued as Desafinado (1962, Dauntless/Áudio Fidelity [US] DM 4304) and as Sax Sambando (196?, Plaza PZ 2203) and as Sambas Que Não Se Esquece (1970, Tropicana n/a) credited to Bil Bell

  
Artwork for Saxsambando by Michel Schachter

   

   
Artwork for Sax Sambando by Michel Schachter

  

7. Carminha Mascarenhas e Ernâni Filho from the album Em Cada Estrela uma Canção (1961, Copacabana CLP 11191)

   
Artwork for Em Cada Estrela uma Canção by Sérgio Malta

8. Stan Getz & Charlie Byrd from the single Desafinado b/w One Note Samba (Samba de uma Nota Só) (1962, Verve [US] VK-10260) and the album Jazz Samba (1962, Verve [US] V6-8432 and 1963, Verve/Copacabana [BRA] VMLP 14006)

   
Cover painting for Jazz Samba by Olga Albizu

9. Oscar Castro Neves from the album Big Band Bossa Nova (1962, Audio Fidelity AFLP 1983)

  

10. Agostinho dos Santos from the EP No Carnegie Hall (1962, RGE CD 80.144)

11. Laura Villa from the album Bossa Nova (1962, Polydor 46128)

12. Antônio Carlos Jobim from the album The Composer of Desafinado Plays aka Antônio Carlos Jobim (1963, Verve Records [USA] V6-8547 and 1964, Elenco [BRA] ME-9)

  
Artwork for Antônio Carlos Jobim is by César G. Villela with photograph by Francisco Pereira.

13. Julinho from the album 100% Bossa (1963, Masterplay MDL 13025)

   
Artwork for 100% Bossa with photograph by Mafra

14. Os Cariocas from the album A Bossa dos Cariocas (1963, Philips P 632.152 L)

15. Breno Sauer Quinteto from the album Sambabessa (1963, RGE XRLP 5193)

16. Pedrinho Mattar from the album Bossa Nova (1963, Farroupilha LPFR-600)

17. Sexteto de Jazz Moderno from the album Bossa Nova (1963, RCA Victor BBL 1222)

  

18. Trio Tenumbra from the album Trio Penumbra em Bossa Nova (1963, Musicolor/Continental MLP 9084)

   

19. Orquestra Brasil Moderno from the album A Revolução (1963, Odeon MOFB 3357)

   

20. Portinho from the album Fogo nos Metais (1963, Philips P 632.138 L)

   

21. Turquinho from the album Samba de Bossa (1963, Chantecler CMG 2212)

   

22. Ritmistas da Bossa Nova from the album Balanço & Bossa Nova (1963, Musiplay LPM 1105)

   

23. Roberto Menscal from the album A Bossa Nova de Roberto Menescal e Seu Conjunto (1963, Elenco ME-3)

  
Artwork for A Bossa Nova de Roberto Menescal e Seu Conjunto by César G. Villela with photographs by Francisco Perreira

24. Orquestra Os Bossambistas from the album Só Danço Samba (1963, DIMP D-1014), reissued as Bossa Brass Apresenta a Música Maravilhosa de Antônio Carlos Jobim (1966, Plaza Hi-Fi 13002) credited to Bossa Brass

Artwork for Só Danço Samba by Michel Schachter

  
Artwork for Bossa Brass Apresenta a Música Maravilhosa de Antônio Carlos Jobim by Joselito

25. Milton Banana from the album O Ritmo e o Som da Bossa Nova (1963, Audio Fidelity AFLP 1984)

   

26. Stan Getz and João Gilberto with Antônio Carlos Jobim from the album Getz/Gilberto (1964, Verve Records [USA] V6-8545 and Odeon [BRA] MOFB 291)

  
Cover painting for Getz/Gilberto by Olga Albizu

27. Sérgio Mendes e Bossa Rio from the album Você Ainda Não Ouviu Nada (1964, Philips P 632.701 L)

   
Artwork forVocê Ainda Não Ouviu Nada by Licínio Almeida with photographs by Paulo Namorado

28. Carioca from the album Samba Ôba! (1964, Imperial IMP. 30.048)

   
Artwork for Samba Ôba! by Eddie Moyna with photograph by Sampaio

29. Dalila from the album Sensação! (1964, PolydorLPNG 4086)

  
Artwork for Sensação! by Paulo Brèves with photgraph by Mafra

30. Rio 65 Trio from the album Rio 65 Trio (1965, Philips P 632.749 L)

   

31. Lyrio Panicali from the album Nova Dimensão (1965, Odeon MOFB 3408)

   
Artwork for Nova Dimensão by Joselito

32. César Camargo Mariano from the album Octeto de César Camargo Mariano (1966, Som MaiorSMLP 1516)

  

33. Antônio Carlos Jobim from the album A Certain Mr. Jobim (1967, Warner Music [USA] WS-1699 and 1974, Continental [BRA] 3.01.404.051)

   

34. J. T. Meirelles from the album Brazilian Beat Vol. 2 (1967, London/Odeon LLB 1029)

   

35. Lenita Bruno from the album Lenita Bruno em Hollywood (1968, Fermata FB 235)

Selected recordings of Desafinado originally not issued in Brazil:

1. Pat Thomas from the single Desafinado (Slightly Out of Tune) b/w One Note Samba (1962, Verve Records ‎[USA] VK 10269) and the album Desafinado (1962, MGM Records ‎‎[USA] SE 4103)

  

2. Laurindo Almeida & The Bossa Nova Allstars from the album Viva Bossa Nova! (1962, Capitol Records ‎‎[USA] T 1759)

  

3. Dizzy Gillespie from the album Dizzy on the French Riviera (1962, Philips ‎[USA] PHS 600-048)

   

4. Ella Fitzgerald from the single Desafinado (Slightly Out of Tune) b/w Stardust (Bossa Nova) (1962, Verve Records ‎‎‎[USA] VK 10274)

5. Lalo Schifrin from the album Lalo = Brilliance (1962, Roulette ‎[USA] R 52088)

  

6. Tito Puente from the album Bossa Nova by Puente (1962, Roulette ‎[USA] R-25193)

   

7. Julie London from the single Slightly Out of Tune (Desafinado) b/w Where Did the Gentlemen Go (1962, Liberty [USA] 55512) and the album The End of the World (1963, Liberty ‎[USA] LRP-3300)

  

8. Quincy Jones from the album Big band Bossa Nova (1962, Mercury ‎[USA] SR 60751)

  

9. Sacha Distel from the EP Bossa Nova (1962, RCA Victor ‎[France] 86.004 M)

   

10. Les 3 Ménestrels from the EP Faits Pour S’aimer (Desafinado) (1962, Fontana ‎[France] 460.846 ME)

  

11. Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass from the album The Lonely Bull (1962, A&M Records ‎‎[USA] A&M 101)

  

12. Laila Kinnunen from the single Yön Äänet (Recado) b/w Epävireiset Sydämet (Desafinado) (1962, Scandia [Finland] KS 458) and the EP Bossa Nova (1963, Scandia [Finland] SEP 179)

13. Pierre Sellin ‎from the EP Desafinado (1962, Fontana ‎[France] 460.847 ME)

14. Los 3 de Castilla from the EP Bossa Nova (1962, Philips ‎[Spain] 433 896 PE)

  

15. Izio Gross from the album Bossa Nova in Rhythm (1963, Kristal Linea Económica Kubaney [Mexico] KS-1154)

16. Dick Hyman & Mary Mayo from the album Moon Gas (1963, MGM Records ‎[USA] SE-4119)

  

17. L’Orchestre Brésilien ‘Ritmo da Bossa’ from the album Bossa Nova (1963, Barclay [France] CDF 532)

18. Coleman Hawkins from the album Desafinado – Coleman Hawkins Plays Bossa Nova & Jazz Samba (1963, Impulse ‎[USA] A-28)

19. Lea Ivanova & Eddy Kazassian Combo from the album Lea Ivanova & Eddy Kazassian Combo (1963, Qualiton ‎[Hungary] LPX 7237)

  

20. Sérgio Mendes from the album Quiet Nights (recorded 1963, released 1966, Philips [USA] PHS 600.263)

   

21. The Hi-Lo’s from the album The Hi-Lo’s Happen to Bossa Nova (1963, Reprise Records ‎[USA] R9-6066)

  

22. René Touzet from the album Bossa Nova – Brazil to Hollywood (1963, GNP Crescendo ‎[USA] GNP 87)

23. The Dave Pell Octet from the album The Dave Pell Octet Plays Today’s Hits in Jazz (1963, Liberty [USA] LST-7298)

24. Eydie Gormé from the album Blame it on the Bossa Nova (1963, Columbia ‎[USA] CS 8812)

   

25. Zdenka Vučković from the EP Ritam Kiše (1964, Jugoton ‎[Yugoslavia] EPY-3339)

26. Byron Lee and The Dragonaires from the album Caribbean Joy Ride (1964, Starline [Jamaica] FLP 103)

  

27. Clare Fischer from the album So Danço Samba (1965, World Pacific Records ‎[USA] 1830)

   

28. Doris Day from the album Latin for Lovers (1965, Columbia ‎‎[USA] CS 9110)

   

29. Tamba Trio from the album Brasil Saluda a Mexico (1966, Philips ‎[Mexico] 10087)

  

30. Frank Sinatra & Antônio Carlos Jobim from the withdrawn 8-track cartridge Sinatra Jobim (1969, Reprise Records [USA] 8FH 1028)

  

31. Duncan Lamont from the album Best of the Bossa Novas (1970, Music For Pleasure ‎[UK] MFP 1357

   

32. Sônia Rosa from the album Sensitive Sound of Sônia Rosa (1970, Express [Japan] VSCD-606)

33. Jula De Palma from the album Jula Presenta (1974, RCA ‎[Italy] TPL1-1032)

  

Ella Fitzgerald, enjoying her performance of Desafinado on Swedish television in 1963

DESAFINADO

Se você disser que eu desafino, amor • Saiba que isto em mim provoca imensa dor • Só privilegiados têm ouvido igual ao seu • Eu possuo apenas o que Deus me deu

Se você insiste em classificar • Meu comportamento de anti-musical • Eu mesmo mentindo devo argumentar • Que isto é Bossa Nova, que isto é muito natural • O que você não sabe, nem sequer pressente • É que os desafinados também têm um coração

Fotografei você na minha Roleiflex • Revelou-se a sua enorme ingratidão • Só não poderá falar assim do meu amor • Ele é o maior que você pode encontrar

Você com a sua música esqueceu o principal • Que no peito dos desafinados • No fundo do peito bate calado • Que no peito dos desafinados – Também bate um coração

SLIGHTLY OUT OF TUNE

Love is like a never-ending melody • Always have compared it to a symphony • A symphony conducted by the lighting of the moon • But our song of love is slightly out of tune

Once your kisses raised me to a fever pitch • Now the orchestration doesn’t seem so rich • Seems to me you’ve changed the tune we used to sing • Like the bossa nova, love should swing

We used to harmonize, two souls in perfect time • Now the song is different and the words don’t even rhyme • Cause you forgot the melody our hearts would always croon • So what’s good’s a heart that’s slightly out of tune

Tune your heart to mine the way it used to be • Join with me in harmony and sing a song of loving • We’ve got to get in tune again before too long

Ther’ll be no desafinado • When your heart belongs to me completely • Then you won’t be slightly out of tune • You’ll sing along with me

[English lyrics by Jon Hendricks and “Jessie Cavanaugh”]

OFF-KEY

When I try to sing you say I’m off key • Why can’t you see how much this hurts me • With your perfect beauty and your perfect pitch • You’re a perfect terror • When I come around must you always put me down

If you say my singing is off key my love • You will hurt my feelings don’t you see my love • I wish I had an ear like yours • A voice that would behave • But all I have is feelings and the voice God gave

You insist my music goes against the rules • But rules were never meant for lovesick fools • I wrote this little song for you but you don’t care • Its a crooked song oh but all my love is there

The thing that you would see if you would play your part • Is even if I’m out of tune I have a gentle heart • I took your picture with my trusty Rolleiflex • And now all I have developed is a complex

Possibly in vain I hope you weaken oh my love • And forget these rigid rules that undermine my dream of • A life of love and music with someone who’ll understand

That even though I may be out of tune • When I attempt to say how much I love you • All that matters is the message that I bring • Which is my dear one I love you

[English lyrics by Gene Lees]

Song No. 155 — Menina Moça | Luiz Antônio (1959)

Menina Moça was introduced in late 1959 by Tito Madi, arranged by João Leal Brito ‚Britinho‘, as A-Side to Carinho e Amor. In early 1960, the song was also released as the title track of an EP of the same name including Carinho e Amor, Há Sempre Um Amanhã and Sonho e Saudade from Tito Madi’s simultaneously released collaboration album with Ribamar titled Carinho e Amor

  

Throughout spring and early summer of 1960 Menina Moça was a number hit, reaching number 6 on the year-end charts. In July 1960, the song was also included in the soundtrack of the film comedy Matemática, Zero… Amor, Dez. The song became highly popular with about 30 recordings in 1960 alone and about 20 more until 1963.

In 1960, piston player Edgard Cavalcanti aka Barriquinha recorded his rendition for an RCA Camden hits compilation with the very same backing track that baritone sax player Aurino Ferreira de Oliveira aka Aurino used earlier that year on his solo album Saturday Night.

Internationally, Menina Moça was recorded by tenor saxophonist Stan Getz subtitled Young Lady with Laurindo Almeida on guitar, George Duvivier on bass and either Édison Machado, Jose Soorez or Dave Bailey on drums. Recorded in March 1963, this version was released only in November 1966 in the US.

Tito Madi re-recorded Menina Moça in 1976 in a slowed down version arranged by João Theodoro Meirelles on his album Carinho e Amor.

Selected recordings of Menina Moça:

1. Tito Madi from the single Menina Moça b/w Carinho e Amor (1959, Columbia 3.101), the EP Menina Moça (1960, Columbia 56016) and the album Matemática, Zero… Amor, Dez (1960, Columbia LPCB 37089

   

   

2. Moacyr Marques ‘Bijú’ from the EP 4 Sucessos (1960, Tiger EP-TR-501)

  

3. Steve Bernard featuring Valéria from the album Top Hit Party (1960, Continental LPP 3108)

  

4. Casé from the album Samba Irresistível (1960, Hi-Fi Variety Hi-Fi 1003)

  

5. Miltinho from the album Um Novo Astro (1960, Sideral LPP 2004)

   

6. Aurino from the album Saturday Night (1960, RCA Victor BBL 1084)

   

7. Barriquinha from the album Sucessos Dançantes RCA (1960, RCA Camden CALB 5000)

   

8. Biriba Boys from the album Biriba Alegra o Brasil (1960, Chantecler CMG 2072)

  

9. Guerra Peixe from the album Sucessos de Sempre (1960, Chantecler CMG 2085)

  

10. Lauro Paiva from the album Night Club N^o. 2 (1960, Continental LPP 3103)

11. Guimarães from the album Tardes Na Guanabara (1960, Internacional CID 27021)

  

12. Breno Sauer from the album Viva a Música (1960, Columbia LPCB 37095)

   

13. Fats Elpídio from the album Piano Bossa Nova (1960, RCA Victor BBL 1102)

   

14. Mário Gennari Filho from the album Hum… Mmmm… é Bom Dançar (1960, Imperial/Odeon IMP 30.011)

15. Francisco Moraes from the album O Baile da Menina Moça (1960, Odeon MOFB 3167)

  
Artwork for O Baile da Menina Moça by César G. Villela with photographs by Francisco Pereira

16. Ruben Perez ‘Pocho’ from the album Dançando com Sucessos (1960, RGE XRLP 5076)

   

17. Morgana from the album Morgana (1960, Copacabana CLP 11161)

18. Paulinho Nogueira from the album Brasil, Violão e Sambalanço (1960, RGEXRLP 5088)

19. Os Saxsambistas Brasileiros from the album Saxsambando (1960, Plaza PZ 303), reissued as Desafinado (1962, Dauntless/Áudio Fidelity [US] DM 4304) and as Sax Sambando (196?, Plaza PZ 2203) and as Sambas Que Não Se Esquece (1970, Tropicana n/a) by Bil Bell

Artwork for Saxsambando by Michel Schachter

   

   
Artwork for Sax Sambando by Michel Schachter

  

 

20. Banda do Corpo de Bombeiros do Distrito Federal from the album Essas Também São de Rancho (1960, MOFB 3176)

   

21. Nelson Gonçalves from the album Seleção de Ouro Vol. 2 (1961, RCA Victor BBL 1114)

  

22. Os Vocalistas Modernos from the album Sambas de Sucesso de Luis Antonio (1961, Philips P 630.459 L)

  
Artwork for Sambas de Sucesso de Luis Antonio by Ronald with photograph by Rovigati

23. Renato Tito from the album Gingando na Bossa (1961, Carroussell SELP 3001)

   
Artwork for Gingando na Bossa by Washington Salles

24. Napoleão Tavares from the album Parada Musical (1962, Pawal P-20.005)

   

25. Astor Silva and Oswaldo Borba from the album Metais em Brasa no Samba (1962, Philips P 630.477 L)

   

26. Trio Penumbra from the album Trio Penumbra em Bossa Nova (1963, Musicolor/Continental MLP 9084)

   

27. Nilton César from the album Nilton César (1969, RCA Victor BBL 1495)

  

28. Tito Madi from the album Carinho e Amor (1976, London/Odeon LLB 1104-S)

  
Artwork for Carinho e Amor by Joel Cocchiararo with photographs by AlexandreSouza Lima

Selected medleys including Menina Moça:

1. Sexteto Prestige from the albums Música e Festa N^o. 5 (1960, Prestige DLP 1013) and Sambas Exclusivamentes Sambas (1961, Prestige DLP 1018)

  

  

2. Zito Righi aka Bob Fleming from the album Bob Fleming (1961, Musidisc XPL-6)

  
Artwork for Bob Fleming by Joselito

3. Miltinho from the album Os Grandes Successos de Miltinho (1962, RGE XRLP 5135)

  

4. Orquestra Moderna de Câmara from the album Brasil Bossa Nova (1962, Nilser ‎NS-1006)

5. Miltinho from the album Miltinho Ao Vivo (1965, RGE XRLP 5281)

   

6. Regininha com Turma da Pilantragem from the album Me Ajuda Que A Voz Não Dá!!! (1969, Polydor ‎LPNG 44 028)

Selected recordings of Menina Moça originally not issued in Brazil:

1. Stan Getz and Laurindo Almeida from the album Stan Getz with Guest Artist Laurindo Almeida (recorded 1963, released 1966, Verve [USA] V6-8665)

Artwork forStan Getz with Guest Artist Laurindo Almeida by Acy Lehman with painting by Alberta Hutchinson

MENINA MOÇA

Você botão de rosa • Amanhã a flor mulher • Joia preciosa cada um deseja e quer • De manhã banhada ao sol • Vem o mar beijar • Lua enciumada noite alta vai olhar

Você, menina moça • Mais menina que mulher • Confissões não ouça • Abra os olhos se puder • Tudo tem seu tempo certo • Tempo para amar • Coração aberto faz chorar

A lua • O sol • A praia • O mar • Lição de deus • A vida eterna para amar

Song No. 1 — Vivo Sonhando | Antônio Carlos Jobim (1963)

The new emphasis on this website starts with one of Jobim’s best known songs, recorded more than a hundred times until today, and introduced more than once, in a way.

Internationally, Vivo Sonhando was first released by Antônio Carlos Jobim himself in 1963 on his album The Composer of Desafinado Plays. The album, recorded at Verve Studios in New York and arranged by Claus Ogerman, was issued in Brazil not until the next year by Elenco as Antônio Carlos Jobim. In Brazil, the song was first released in 1963 by Os Cariocas on their album Mais Bossa com Os Cariocas.

The first recording of Vivo Sonhando was made a few months before the release of The Composer of Desafinado Plays, when Stan Getz and João Gilberto chose it as the closing song on their album Getz/Gilberto, featuring the composer on piano. But the album remained in the vaults of Verve Records until 1964, when its release created the bossa nova craze in the US, initiated by the huge success of the opening track, The Girl form Ipanema, which introduced Astrud Gilberto as uncredited vocalist. In the US, Vivo Sonhando was subsequently recorded by jazz musicians like Gary McFarland, Billy Eckstine and Sarah Vaughan.

In Brazil, 1964 and 1965 saw the most recordings of Vivo Sonhando, including notable ones by Dom Um Romão, Héctor Costita, Eumir Deodato, Dick Farney, Zimbo Trio and Os Tatuís.

Leny Andrade recorded Vivo Sonhando twice, first in 1964 on her live album A Arte Maior de Leny Andrade, then followed by as a duet with Pery Ribeiro in 1965 on their live album Gemini V – Show na Boate Porão 73.

Interestingly, Sylvia Telles seems to be the only one who ever issued the song as a single with her 1964 release of Vivo Sonhando b/w Samba do Avião, accompanying the album Bossa Session. She re-recorded Vivo Sonhando again the next year in the US with a lush arrangement by Lindolpho Gaya, on her second tribute album Sylvia Telles Sings the Wonderful Songs of Antônio Carlos Jobim, in Brazil released as The Music of Mr. Jobim.

Canadian Gene Lees, who studied guitar with Oscar Castro Neves, provided the English lyrics as he did earlier for several other songs by Antônio Carlos Jobim. These were used also by Astrud Gilberto when she featured Vivo Sonhando on her solo debut The Astrud Gilberto Album in 1965, arranged by Marty Paich.

In 1967, yet again for Verve Records, Luiz Henrique’s exquisite interpretation, featuring Sivuca on accordion, was one of the last versions of Vivo Sonhando of the 60s.

Selected recordings of Vivo Sonhando:

1. Antônio Carlos Jobim from the album The Composer of Desafinado Plays (1963, Verve Records [USA] V6-8547) aka Antônio Carlos Jobim (1964, Elenco [Brazil] ME-9)

Artwork for The Composer of Desafinado Plays with photographs by Chuck Stewart

  
Artwork for Antônio Carlos Jobim is by César G. Villela with photograph by Francisco Pereira.

2. Os Cariocas from the album Mais Bossa com Os Cariocas (1963, Philips P 632.177 L)

   
Art work for Mais Bossa com Os Cariocas by Paulo Brèves with photographs by Francisco Pereira.

3. Stan Getz & João Gilberto featuring Antônio Carlos Jobim from the album Getz/Gilberto (1964, Verve Records [USA] V6-8545)

  
Cover painting for Getz/Gilberto by Olga Albizu.

4. Sylvia Telles from the album Bossa Session (1964, Elenco ME-13)

Art work for Bossa Session is by César G. Villela.

5. Dom Um Romão from the album Dom Um (1964, Philips P 632.713 L)

  
Artwork for Dom Um by Eddie Moyna

6. Héctor Costita from the album Impacto (1964, Fermata FB 97)

7. Dick Farney from the album Dick Farney (1964, Elenco ME-15)

   
Art work forDick Farney by Eddie Moyna with photographs by Francisco Pereira

8. Zimbo Trio from the album Zimbo Trio (1964, RGE XRLP 5253)

   

9. Eumir Deodato from the album Inútil Paisagem – As Maiores Composições de Antônio Carlos Jobim  (1964, Forma FM-1)

   

Cover painting for Inútil Paisagem – As Maiores Composições de Antônio Carlos Jobim by Patrícia Tattersfield.

10. Sérgio Mendes from the album Bossa Nova York (1964, Elenco MEV-2)

  
Art work for Bossa Nova York by Eddie Moyna with uncredited photograph

11. Geraldo Cunha from the album Quem Tem Bossa Faz Assim (1964, Audio Fidelity AFLP 2012)

   

12. Leny Andrade from the album A Arte Maior de Leny Andrade (1964, Polydor LPNG 4097)

13. Leny Andrade & Pery Ribeiro with Bossa Três from the album Gemini V – Show na Boate Porão 73 (1965, Odeon MOFB 3445)

   
Art work for Gemini V – Show na Boate Porão 73 by Moacyr Rocha with photographs by Mafra.

14. Caçulinha from the album Samba’ação (1965, Continental PPL 12192)

  
Art work for Samba’ação by Antônio Melero ‘Antoninho’.

15. Os Tatuís from the album Os Tatuís (1965, Farroupilha LPFA-410)

16. Sylvia Telles from the album Sylvia Telles Sings the Wonderful Songs of Antônio Carlos Jobim (1965, Kapp Records [USA] KL-1451) aka The Music of Mr. Jobim by Sylvia Telles (1966, Elenco MEV-5)

  

Art work for The Music of Mr Jobim by Sylvia Telles by Eddie Moyna with photograph by Francisco Pereira

17. Ipanema Pop Orchestra from the album Bossa Nova For Swingin’ Lovers (1965, London/Odeon LLB 1001)

18. Balanço Trio from the album Ritmo… Bossa… Balanço (1965, Imperial/Odeon IMP 30.076)

19. Bossa Três from the album Bossa Três em Forma! (1965, Forma FM-6)

20. Astrud Gilberto from the album The Astrud Gilberto Album (1965, Verve Records [USA] V6-8608) and Elenco MEV-4)

   
Art work for  The Astrud Gilberto Album by Eddie Moyna with uncredited photograph

21. Walter Wanderley from the album O Autêntico Walter Wanderley (1965, Philips P 632.757 L)

22. Claudette Soares from the album Claudette Soares (1965, Mocambo LP 40283)

23. Garôto from the album Garôto + Sexteto (1966, Farroupilha LPFA-412)

24. Orquestra Os Bossambistas aka Bossa Brass from the album Bossa Brass Apresenta a Maravilhosa Música de Antônio Carlos Jobim (1966, Plaza PZ 13002) aka Só Danço Samba (196?) DIMP D-1014

   

25. Conjunto 707 from the album Fórmula 707 (1966, Chantecler CMG 2359)

   

26. Luiz Henrique from the album Barra Limpa (1967, Verve Records V6-8697)

  

Vivo Sonhando performed by Claudette Soares on the TV show Primeiro Plano (1964 or 1965)

VIVO SONHANDO

Vivo sonhando • Sonhando mil horas sem fim • Tempo em que vou perguntando • Se gostas de mim • Tempo de falar em estrelas • Falar de um mar • De um céu assim • Falar do bem que se tem mas você não vem • Não vem

Você não vindo • Não vindo a vida tem fim • Gente que passa sorrindo • zombando de mim • E eu a falar em estrelas, mar, amor, luar • Pobre de mim que só sei te amar

I LIVE DREAMING

I live dreaming • Dreaming a thousand endless hours • Time in which I keep asking • If you like me •Time of talking about stars • Talking about a sea • About a sky like this • Talking about the good things one has, but you don’t come • Don’t come

You are not coming • Not coming, life has an end • People who pass by smiling • Mocking me • And me talking about stars, sea, love, moonlight • Poor me, I only know how to love you

[English translation by Maria Catarina Correa Gestinari]

DREAMER

Why are my eyes always full of this vision of you • Why do I dream silly dreams that I fear won’t come true • I long to show you the stars • Caught in the dark of the sea • I long to speak of my love but you don’t come to me

So I go on asking if maybe one day you’ll care • I tell my sad little dreams to the soft evening air • I am quite hopeless it seems, two things I know how to do • One is to dream • Two is loving you

[English lyrics by Gene Lees]