Bossa nova
La bossa nova is a Brazilian music style born in Rio de Janeiro at the end of the 1950s. Literally “new fashion” or “new trend,” it is a refined form of samba synthesized on acoustic guitar, influenced by American cool jazz and European classical music. The rhythm is characterized by a soft syncopated sway, complex chords, and an intimate voice.
The founding fathers are João Gilberto (who invented the foundational guitar style), Antônio Carlos Jobim (composer) and Vinicius de Moraes (lyricist). The album Chega de Saudade (1959) by João Gilberto is considered the starting point of the movement. Luís Bonfá, Astrud Gilberto, Stan Getz and the legendary album Getz/Gilberto (1964) with The Girl from Ipanema, brought bossa nova to the world.
Bossa nova distinguishes itself from samba de parade by being more intimate, urban and sophisticated. Its influence extends to samba-jazz and has touched many African composers.