Joao Voz e Violao

By Terry Teachout Sunday, July 23, 2000
    • The CD's title (Joao, Voice and Guitar) says it all--in Brazilian. For his first solo album in nearly a decade, the master of bossa nova opts for stripped-down simplicity. In these 10 songs (which include such Antonio Carlos Jobim-penned standards as Chega de Saudade and Desafinado), the only sounds you hear are the whispery purring of Gilberto's voice and the surefooted, gracefully swaying beat of his acoustic guitar. Who could ask for anything more? This is music to dream by, if your dreams are sensual and melancholy and hopelessly romantic.