Shamefully forgotten for years, this sumptuous album is an essential classic in terms of several tracks. Historically, it is one of the first Bossa Nova records to be recorded in Europe, Paris to be precise, the welcoming spot and creative home for a major Brazilian Diaspora.
Amongst them, we find the musician Silvuca, behind a large majority of the shimmering arrangements on this record, perfectly showcasing Laura Villa’s warm and enveloping voice. Born Emilie Laura Facetti in Italy, she would discover Bossa Nova’s captivating melodies when in Lisbon at the end of the 50’s. At the time, the Portuguese capital was the European port entry for newly arrived Brazilians, and as such, it was here that the songs composed by Dorival Caymmi, João Gilberto, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Vinícius de Moraes and Luiz Bonfa received their first rapturous reception.

With her pianist husband Alex Biancheri, she was under Bossa’s spell on her return to Paris, and decided to spread the good Brazilian word. Signing to Polydor gave her the means to form a full-scale orchestra (partly made up of Brazilian musicians) and to record in 1962 this classics-filled album also comprising original material.

A shining declaration of love for Brazilian rhythms, a veritable manifesto of proud and uninhibited European Bossa, this timeless masterpiece brimming with bright and generous songs lit up the way to Brazil’s infinite softness at the dawn of the 60’s. A path that will be taken by many more to come.

Laura Villa w/ Sacha Distel

Personnel:
Alex Biancheri" (piano)
Laura Villa (vocals)
+
a bunch of unknown studio musicians

Tracklist:
01. Desafinado (Jobim/Mendonca) 2.31
02. O Vento (Biancheri/Barbosa) 2.28
03. Samba De Uma Nota So (Jobim/Mendonca) 2.23
04. Errinho A Toa (Menescal/Boscoli) 2.15
05. Chega De Saudada (Jobim/DeMoraes) 2.57
06. Nunca Mas (Lincoln/Cézar) 2.05
07. Barquinho (Menescal/Boscoli) 2.33
08. Chica Chica Boum (Verlane) 2.25
09. O Bossa Nova (Barbosa/Garro) 2.15
10. Maria Orgulhosa (Secicias/Barbosa/Cempos) 2.45
11. Nos E O Mar (Menescal/Boscoli) 2.05
12. Corcovado (Jobim) 2.27
13. Rosinha (Sivuca) 2.00
14. Fala Amor (Ferreira/Antonio) 2.39