Great sounding heavy duty repress of Jobim & Bonfa's landmark 1956 record, the A-side of which doubled as the score for the equally important Black Orpheus. Though Jobim and Bonfa would shortly become Brazilian music legends, this was recorded when both were complete unknowns; it doesn't take more than one listen to understand why Orfeu da Conceicao brought them into the (inter)national conscious. Songs like "Um Nome de Mulher(1)" and "Mulher, Sempre Mulher(2)" predate the Bossa Nova explosion which Bonfa would later be credited as helping start, and Bonfa's rhythmic guitar sounds just as lush on "Eu e O Meu Amor(3)" and "Lamento No Morro(4)." The B-side of the record features songs unrelated to the soundtrack, but no less appealing: "Luar e Batucada(5)" and "Passeio No Rio(6)" feature appearances from vocalist Sylvia Telles and bassist Ed Lincoln, respectively, both future legends in their own rights. Essential listening for those interested in Brazilian music. 13 tracks total. Recommended.

reviewed by Larri Byrd