CD of the Day - "Les Precurseurs de la Bossa Nova"

CD of the Day
"Les Precurseurs de la Bossa Nova/Roots of Bossa Nova" (Frémeaux & Associés) 2008

Released today in France, this 2-CD set compilation covers the 1948-1957 period of pre-bossa Brazilian music, including the first two solo recordings ever made by João Gilberto for a 78rpm disc released by the Copacabana label (now owned by EMI): "Quando Ela Sai" (Alberto Jesus/Roberto Penteado) and "Meia Luz" (Hianto de Almeida/João Luiz). Both were cut in August 1952, when Gilberto was still very influenced by his main idol, Orlando Silva. The arrangements are by accordionist Orlando Silveira, featuring Britinho on piano and Jorge Ferreira da Silva (aka Jorginho, the "Brazilian Paul Desmond") on alto sax.
Other highlights are the performances by Trio Surdina (Garoto, Fafá Lemos, Chiquinho do Acordeon), Dick Farney, Tito Madi, Os Cariocas, Lucio Alves, Johnny Alf, Elizeth Cardoso, Doris Monteiro, Sylvia Telles, Claudia Morena, Maysa and even Silvio Caldas, amongst others.