Go! Bop! made a reissue of Joao Donato & Seu Trio’s Muito À Vontade, originally released in 1962.

Joao Donato is a legend of Brazilian jazz and Latin music and this is his legendary debut album.

The well-skilled performance speaks of a great routine each musician has, but there is so much fire and hunger to be found within the compositions. The listener will experience rather relaxed slow jazz tunes with an obvious bossa nova groove and a leading piano that takes off from the backing rhythm of drums and standing bass.

On the other hand, there are tunes with wicked piano staccato lines and a powerful rhythmic drive that is rooted in Latin music, but shoots forward on a ray of energy. The tunes are well composed and have a memorable structure that distinguishes them from the beginning free jazz hype back in the day.

Joao Donato and his mates in the trio were jazzy boys, but they were also songwriters. Catchy melodies were as important as a great and skillful performance. The combination of both sides of jazz, and the crossover with Latin sounds, makes Muito À Vontade a special album, with other greats to follow. Muito À Vontade stands out as a landmark. If you feel that it is time for an equally relaxed, but exciting jazz record to enchant you, here you go.

A sweet reissue of a classic from the early ’60s. Joao Donato and his trio play it rather smoothly but their passion hits you automatically after a short while listening. Even the slower tunes offer twists and turns that leave you feeling amazed.

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