Tom Pra Dois [PA]

Performer: Various Artists/Antonio Carlos Jobim
Distributor: Fontana Distribution

Notes: Tributee: Antonio Carlos Jobim. Tributee: Antonio Carlos Jobim. Although released under Antonio Carlos Jobim's name, Tom Pra Dois (which is Portuguese for Tom for Two) is really a various-artists compilation; Jobim himself appears on some selections that were recorded in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, although other selections were recorded after his death (Jobim died of heart failure in 1994 at the age of 67). But all of the songs were written or co-written by Jobim, and everything on this 46-minute CD illustrates, in some fashion, the importance of his contributions to Brazilian music. Jobim's influence is all over Tom Pra Dois regardless of whether something was recorded during his lifetime or whether it was recorded posthumously. Jobim teams up with Elis Regina on "Fotografia," with Astrud Gilberto and Marty Paich on "Agua de Beber," and with Chico Buarque on "Anos Dourados," but singer Ithamara Koorax's memorable performance of the well-known Jobim standard "Corcovado" was recorded after his demise. Koorax, in fact, was two years away from being born when Astrud Gilberto, Joao Gilberto, and Stan Getz joined forces for their hit 1963 version of "The Girl from Ipanema," which features Jobim on acoustic piano and is easily the most famous recording on this album. "The Girl from Ipanema" has been recorded by numerous artists over the years, but the version that is offered on Tom Pra Dois is by far the most celebrated. Of course, the Jobim songbook in general continues to be celebrated; he was one of the most iconic figures in the history of Brazilian jazz, Brazilian pop, and bossa nova, and his songs are still being recorded frequently long after his death. Jobim's admirers will find a lot to savor on Tom Pra Dois. ~ Alex Henderson

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