Bossa Antigua

About

Paul Desmond's Bossa Antigua is a notable jazz album recorded in 1964 and released in 1965 under the RCA Victor label. The album features Paul Desmond on alto saxophone, accompanied by guitarist Jim Hall, bassist Eugene Wright, and drummer Connie Kay. It showcases a blend of jazz with influences from the bossa nova genre, which had gained significant popularity in the United States during the early 1960s. The title Bossa Antigua is a clever play on words, contrasting "bossa nova" (meaning "new thing") with "antigua," which translates to "old thing" in English. This reflects Paul Desmond's approach to the genre, as he incorporates traditional bossa nova elements while infusing his unique jazz style into the music. The album received a positive reception, earning four stars from Allmusic, which praised the quality of the performances despite noting it lacked some of the inspiration found in Paul Desmond's earlier work, Take Ten. Critics have noted that while Bossa Antigua may not fully capture the essence of traditional bossa nova, it offers a fresh interpretation through Paul Desmond's melodic improvisation and Jim Hall's guitar work. Some listeners appreciate its subtlety and the seamless interplay between the musicians, making it a pleasing listen despite differing opinions on its authenticity within the bossa nova genre.

via Last.fm