Bossa's Hidden Gem
5
By The Royal Charlatan
While Stan Getz gets most of the credit for making bossa nova famous, Paul Desmond and Jim Hall deserve just as much credit for making it cool. A contrast to the dominating hornwork of Getz' groups, Desmond's crew lets the tunes breath and the emphasis fall where it ought to: on Jim Hall's guitar. Bossa is a guitarist's medium to be sure, and Hall explains why with his beautiful chord work throughout, culminating in the sublime textures on "The Girl From East Ninth Street" and his epically subdued solo on the title track. Desmond's playing is as smooth as ever, but it's deliberate sparseness makes sure to ground each tune in the groove and in Hall's elaborate foundation. In this critic's opinion, this is Desmond's finest effort -- and, tragically, his most overlooked.
Beautiful, flowing and graceful
5
By _Clint
I know, that might be a corny title, but its the absolute truth. Listening to Mr. Desmond’s take on bossa nova lends a softer, gentler edge to Mr. Stan Getz’ crisper, edgier sound. The result is a flowing, relaxing album of classics that is endlessly enjoyable, suitable for a variety of moods. I’ll continue to enjoy this for years to come; you won’t be sorry for picking up this incredible, timeless album.
Desmond and Hall are made for each other
5
By zoltare
These two make flawless jazz together. They trade off one another wonderfully. The Girl From 9th Street is a beautiful gem with Hall's chord comping beneath Desmond's butter like tone, they flat out know how it's done. Easy Livin is a much more complete album, but this is worth a buy if you want to know what real jazz guitar is and how relaxing the sax can be.
