Bom Tempo

Carioca would be a swan song of sorts for Azymuth – the last album for keyboardist/leader Jose Roberto Bertrami, who left the group around this time, and their last album for Milestone, which spelled the beginning of the end for them as players in the U.S. music scene. Indeed, Bertrami doesn't even include his longtime cohorts Alex Malheiros and Ivan Conti on the lovely waltz tune "Valsa Se Uma Cidade," or the smooth showcase for Hammond organ, "Guaratiba," preferring the solid, mobile work of guests Paulo Russo (bass) and Jurim Moreira (drums). The selections with Malheiros and Conti are often more reflective than much of Azymuth's past work, with a few references to American funk ("Toque De Cuica") and fewer overtly Brazilian rhythmic influences (Malheiros' nicely soft-focused "Bom Tempo" being a nice exception).

Arguably Elis Regina's best early album, 1968's Elis Especial has her accompanied by an uncredited, relentlessly swinging piano trio. The sound quality could be better, but by the end of the first song "Samba do Perado," you won't care anymore - you'll be blissfully tapping your foot. Also included are two lengthy tributes, one to Tom Jobim and the second to the Rio neighborhood of Mangueira.