Non-Stop to Brazil

by Alex HendersonEver since his songs "Manha de Carnaval" and "Samba de Orfeu" were included in the 1959 film Black Orpheus, Luiz Bonfa has been one of the most celebrated figures in Brazilian music. In fact, the composer/acoustic guitarist's work commands the type of reverence enjoyed by such all-time greats as Antonio Carlos Jobim, Laurindo Almeida and João Gilberto. The entirely instrumental Non-Stop to Brazil marked the first time Bonfa (a master of samba and bossa nova) had set foot in an American recording studio in 15 years. Under the direction of jazz guitarist and Chesky Records President David Chesky, Bonfa (who is joined only by percussionist Café and, on three pieces, fellow guitarist Gene Bertoncini) revisits many of his best-known works. Anyone with even a basic knowledge of Brazilian music will recognize "Manha de Carnaval" and "Samba de Orfeu," and songs like "Sambolero," "Gentle Rain," and "Danca India" (an ode to South American Indians) are also highly regarded. Longtime Bonfa aficionados won't be disappointed by these intimate and introspective performances.