Antônio Carlos Brasileiro de Almeida Jobim was a Brazilian composer, pianist, songwriter, arranger and singer who is widely considered to be one of the great exponents of Brazilian music. He had a huge influence on a young Albare who saw the 1959 film ‘Orfeu Negro’ for which Jobin provided the soundtrack in 1972, which changed his musical direction and set him down the path for which he is most well-known. These days Albare plays totally by ear having lost his eyesight due to a genetic condition, but it appears to have had no impact whatsoever on this tribute album where he is joined for his sixth album with Australian pianist, composer and producer Phil Turcio, and his fifth with Joe Chindamo on piano and string arrangement as well as conducting, along with drummer Antonio Sanchez (for their second album together) and bassist Ricardo “Ricky” Rodriguez.

Although “Garota de Ipanema” (“The Girl from Ipanema”) is somewhat conspicuous by its absence, many of these songs will be known to fans of the genre, and here they are played with delicate reverence by a guitarist who has been inspired by the composer for nearly fifty years. The album starts with “One Note Samba”, which was first recorded in 1960 and since then has been covered by the likes of Charlie Byrd, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and Cliff Richard (!), but will probably always be best remembered for the performance by Jobim with Fran Sinatra. Jobim has been in love with this music for most of his life, and here he demonstrates true understanding of what the “Father of Bossa Nova” wanted to achieve, and allows the songs to shine without stamping his own authority on them. Jobim may have passed away nearly 25 years now, but in the hands of Albare his music is being brought back to life and will reach a new audience all over again.

Rating: 8/10

Links:
https://albareplaysjobim.com/
https://www.alfirecords.com/