Jon Hendricks idolizes João Gilberto -- he has spoken fondly of their first meeting where they scatted to each other before ever speaking a word -- and he wasted little time putting together a tribute album at the height of the first bossa nova wave. It ought to come as no surprise that he would display total sympathy with the bossa nova manner here, singing softly and smoothly -- and Hendricks' English wordplay is quite faithful to the original tunes and meanings of the Portuguese lyrics, in contrast to his usual whimsical work with jazz improvisations. Hendricks is particularly winning, and irresistibly swinging on the rare occasions ("Voce E Eu," "Samba Da Minha Terra") when he scats to the Brazilian rhythm; he should have done more of that here. But then, his versions of Gilberto's repertoire are carefully based on Gilberto's early EMI/Odeon recordings (now available on The Legendary João Gilberto); even Antonio Carlos Jobim's string and wind charts for the originals are preserved by adapter Johnny Mandel. Alas, the only Hendricks lyric that has become a universal standard is Jobim's "Chega de Saudade" ("No More Blues"). As Hendricks' only album-length encounter with bossa nova, Salud! João Gilberto Originator of the Bossa Nova is essential.
by Richard S. Ginell
Tracklist:
1 The Duck (O Pato) 1:55
Jon Hendricks / Jayme Silva / Neuza Teixeira
2 Quiet Nights (Corcovado) 2:06
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Gene Lees
3 You and I (Voce E Eu) 3:06
Jon Hendricks / Carlos Lyra
4 Love in Peace (O Amor Em Paz) 2:34
Jon Hendricks / Antônio Carlos Jobim
5 Little Paper Ball 1:16
Jon Hendricks
6 Longing for Bahia 2:26
Dorival Caymmi / Jon Hendricks
7 Little Train of Iron (Trem de Ferro) 1:55
Jon Hendricks
8 No More Blues (Chega de Saudade) 2:06
Jesse Cavanaugh / Jon Hendricks / Antônio Carlos Jobim / Vinícius de Moraes
9 Rosa Morena 2:11
Dorival Caymmi / Jon Hendricks
10 The Most Beautiful Thing (Coisa Mais Linda) 3:06
Jon Hendricks / Carlos Lyra / Jimmy Eat World
11 Samba of My Land (Samba da Minha Terra) 2:29
Dorival Caymmi / Jon Hendricks
12 Once Again (Outra Vez) 1:57
Jon Hendricks / Antônio Carlos Jobim
13 Jive Samba 2:18
Nat Adderley / Jon Hendricks
Credits:
Milt Bernhart Trombone
Pete Candoli Trumpet
Buddy Collette Flute
Conte Trumpet
Jon Hendricks Vocals
Antônio Carlos Jobim String Arrangements
Gildo Mahones Piano
Frank Messina Accordion
Ray Sherman Organ
Jimmie Smith Drums
JON HENDRICKS - ¡Salud! João Gilberto [1963]
[2002] Collectables / FLAC (image+.cue), lossless
O Púbis da Rosa