Dec 8th, 2008 · Little Joy is the collaboration between The Strokes' drummer and two singer-songwriters. Their self-titled debut is playful blend of each musician's background: bossa nova and lovers rock meets California pop on the beach. It's an easygoing record, one that escapes from reality.
Oct 9th, 2008 · An export of Brazil, Bossa Nova is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Musician David Was says it's still going strong and he reviews a new album by Bossa Nova great Toninho Horta, called To Jobim With Love.
Oct 2nd, 2008 · For his follow-up to 2004's Of What Lies Beneath, Austin, TX resident Dan Dyer draws from gospel, Bossa Nova and even ragtime for a contemporary homage of pulsating grooves. His selt-titled sophomore release, which dropped in late August, begins with the soulful "Love Chain," featuring members of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Choir backing Dyer's own Stevie Wonder-inspired tenor. It's a passionate and stunning opener, showcasing much of the musical styles Dyer grew up on.
Oct 2nd, 2008 · At the Kennedy Center's aptly-named Family Theater in Washington, D.C., a six-months pregnant Luciana Souza walked onstage and turned in profile to the audience to show off her belly. Hailing from Brazil, the Grammy-winning chanteuse sings material from The New Bossa Nova.
Sep 18th, 2008 · The bossa nova style comes naturally to Luciana Souza. She was born into a musical family in Brazil, and as a youth, sang on the radio. Bossa nova — her love — is quiet, reflective music that requires close communication between the musicians onstage and the audience.
Aug 19th, 2008 · The new CD, One Ounce of Truth, puts the vivid words of poet and writer Nikki Giovanni to music, using a wide range of musical styles like bossa nova, jazz and soul. NPR's Tony Cox talks with Giovanni and singer Capathia Jenkins about the project.
Aug 1st, 2008 · American and Brazilian musicians have been finding common ground ever since jazz artists turned to bossa nova 50 years ago. But the result has never quite sounded like Nation Beat's mash-up of Southern country and northeast Brazilian maracatu.
Jun 8th, 2008 · The spare, haunting melodies of composer and pianist Erik Satie have inspired musicians, from Claude Debussy to John Cale. Guitarists Jonathan Stone and Adrian Bond come from different backgrounds — Stone from bossa nova and Bond from ambient music — but find a common interest in the composer's work.