History and Roots of Bossa Nova Music - Essay Example

Latin Music Introduction Bossa nova is one of the most popular and celebrated music genres in Brazil because it brings a new trend to the industry. This type of music was created and spread in the 1950s and early 1960s with it roots from samba-jazz music. The word bossa nova is a Portuguese word that in literally denotes “new way” and this made it get an audience immediately. The music got a large following from young energetic musicians and college students. In its inception, bossa nova was assumed as an easygoing type of music that was crucial as a pass-time for listeners in a period when Brazil was engulfed in dictatorial kind of leadership. This kind of easy gong trend of bossa nova made it to be branded as music with no political perception or involvement. Since it was created, this music has been part of typical jazz collection and it is perceived to be a genre for middle as well as upper class within Brazil. It was initially created among wealthy neighbourhoods and across beaches with the melodies focusing on love, the alluring beaches, and the beauty of women (Merrell 282). History and Roots of Bossa Nova Music It is evident that the word “bossa nova” was initially revealed through a song made in Brazil the year 1932. Noel Rosa a famous songwriter who mentioned briefly this new kind of style in his song “Coisas Nossas” in those early days did this. However, it was not until later in 1958 that this genre of music became popular with the record “Cancao do Amor Demais” which means “song of too much love” was released. Joao Gilberto who took the guitar to sing the song “Chega de Saudade” translated as No More Blues in the United States introduced the bossa nova, Antinion Carlos Jobim popularly known as Tom while Elizeth Moreira Cardoso did the vocal wrote it. This creation of a new trend of music generated an immediate sensation in the industry and attracting many followers (Henry 57). The bossa nova music became a new style that combined samba and jazz pulses in which the complexity of the two was converted into another type of “stuttering” beat as many music lovers realized from Gilberto’s guitar. It is amazing because the songs were mainly casual and refined, yet infused with an attractive and catching swing. It is also clear that Gilberto sang the lyrics with a personal touch, warm, and whispering tone that made the melodies flow calmly. On his part, Jobim reinforced the amazing melodies with uniform harmonies, which can only compare to the pulses found in today’s classical jazz music. In essence, bossa nova recurring and harmonic productivity was created articulately in a sophisticated simplified manner that was extraordinary in the music industry at the time (Henry 57). In the height of 1960s, bossa nova appeared in American society even though it was indirectly. In reality, the film “Orfeu Negro” which denoted Black Orpheus based on the trends of bossa nova won a Grand Prize in the Cannes Film Festival acclaiming glory. This is because the song “Manha de Carnival” was the theme melody for the movie while Samba as well as bossa nova became the chief rhythms that it adopted. In this respect, bossa nova became instantly popular in the international scene and most of the composers of the song were widely known from this performance. After this international exposure, bossa nova attracted many musicians especially in America to introduce the rhythms in American Jazz. It was in this respect that “Girl from Ipanema” was composed and it became a popular and endowed song across the world (Henry 58). Instruments that Accompany Bossa Nova One of the most important instruments in bossa nova music is classical guitar, which mainly picks on the nylon-string using bare fingers and not a pick or coin. For a clean and clear sound, it requires unaccompanied guitar combined with intrinsic vocals as Joao Gilberto diligently demonstrated them. The guitar is crucial even when performing jazz like collections for groups so that it is played to clearly bring out the underlying rhythm. For instance, Gilberto made it exciting by taking one of the numerous rhythmic layers found in the samba collection especially the tamborim and used it through the alternative hand. The other instrument is the piano however, it is not as important as the guitar; it is necessary to generate tantalizing bossa nova. For instance, Jobim songs are based and performed on the piano to create unity in the recording. In reality, the piano acts as a bridge between the new trend bossa nova and jazz to add robustness amongst them. Inclusive of the piano, the modern electronic organ is added to the performance of typical bossa nova songs like the popular Summer Samba which was done by Walter Wanderley(Henry 59). Drums as well as other percussion are not viewed as essentially or extremely crucial instruments in bossa nova. However, there is a unique style of drumming during bossa nova performance that cannot be compromised. This is clear in the way such as that of Helcio Milito and Milton Banana, which is done by simultaneous eighths once the high-hat is reached. For instance, the samba Pandeiro assumes this style of drumming which also requires tapping along the rim in what is called “rim clicks” following a clave pattern. In essence, it is evident that the bass drum always assumes the “1-&3-&1” while playing. In addition, strings are important to make the bossa nova more appealing to the listener in many aspects. Strings are important accompaniments and this is especially popular with North American performances like “Lounge”. It is evident that Jobim’s and Gilberto used this instrument while Dusty Springfield also enhanced her melodies with this component in her single “The Look of Love.” This string component gives a song a distinct audio texture as a secondary accompaniment in building astounding music. However, it is also evident that not all bossa nova musical recordings and performances make use of strings (Henry 59). In reality, at times the combination of these instruments ensures the creation of appealing bossa nova music but in other situations only a few of these instruments are used. The instruments coordinate together to generate a harmonious rhythm that is appealing to the listener. The instruments also assist in enhancing the structure of bossa nova and in this way; this genre became a popular style from the early days. This structure however, is different from regular European and North American prevalent musical hits where there are about two verses that are trailed by a link and the final verse. Bossa nova mainly does not have more than two poetic verses and most of them do not include a bridge or link. In essence, most of the bossa nova songs do not go more than two minutes in length compared to other types of music while many like Gilberto’s compositions have only a one lyrical verse that is continuously repeated (Henry 58). Style of Singing Bossa Nova It is evident that the bossa nova songs carry simple and relaxed tone such that the voice never overpowers the music. In reality, most vocals in this genre of music are done in a cool and relaxed manner to an extent that they are done like whispered. The singing and the background music share the stage in equal proportion and this is how bossa nova became popular fast. The general effects from the performance assume a cool, gusty, and almost optimist sound that is alluring to the audience. In addition, the performers of bossa nova like to embrace simplicity when performing and in many times moments of silence are observed to get the entire message. The harmony of the songs is well placed such that the song is unified and organized to the end. Most musician of this genre adopts diminished chords in a relaxed manner while in most cases they change their voice chords depending on personal predisposition. Additionally, the music makes use of melodious and harmonic blues procedures just as it is in the American “Golden Era” of music creation. The V7 chord is a common choice which was especially adored by Jobim like in the song “Girl from Ipanema” which takes the bII7 tritone-alternates chords (Merrell 283). The melodies in the bossa nova lyrical compositions are of great importance in generation of smooth lines. In essence, they mainly focus on the main seventh and key ninth scale points instead of the booster maj7 or even maj9 chords mainly used in jazz. It is clear that many melodic rhythms in this genre of music adopt the designs used in samba instruments. For instance, Gilberto’s music has included this melodic style with the phrasing remaining subtle while the rhythm is complex. His vocal are delivered in a soft and low-key tones just like the great musician Chet Baker who has a well-known style. Most collection of bossa nova music is inclusive of melodies in earlier sambas and boleros that add class and style in the entire song (Merrell 283). In addition, the bossa nova music has grown in rhythm through the guitar compositions that minimizes the recurring patterns of samba genre to take up the common tamborim designs. The tamborim is a minute hand drum that is common in samba compositions and it is different from them modern American “tambourine.” The guitar also is a crucial instrument for adding rhythm in the songs, which is played in a low-tone and reserved melody. In essence, the bass patterns in bossa nova indicate the concept of surdo popularly known as low drum which is adopted from samba group. The drum sets components are also low-key in this type of music such that the eighth notes found in the high hat or the commonly ride cymbal call for pandeiro while the shaker is part of enhancing this rhythm. This rhythm is further, amplified by cross stick attached on the snare because it generates clave pattern or the popularly known tamborim design. For a clean rhythm, the drums are played in a reserved fashion unlike the common American jazz that has higher or louder beats. The samba rhythm and influence is dependent on the singer and how one wish to have it sound to the listener (Merrell 283). Modern Bossa Nova In the early 1970s, it became clear that the popularity of bossa nova had diminished as the emergence of rock music began. However, in the 1990s, this music came back with great impact around the international market after the musician Sergio Santos Mendes made a beautiful song titled “Real in Rio” for the animated successful film “Rio.” It won awards at international level and acclamation in Brazil for boosting the bossa nova genre and its popularity kept growing. In essence, over the past five decades this music has grown tremendously internationally with many jazz, pop and other genres incorporating its melodies, chords, rhythms and touches in their compositions. In the beginning, this music was associated with conservative and irresponsible musical melodies in Brazil, but today it is valued by international composers who understand it’s comforting tones (Merrell 282). Its popularity is today remembered through the compositions of Stan Getz, Dave Brubeck, and Cannonball Adderley among others. The most renowned American compositions of bossa nova include the “I Say a Little Prayer”, and “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again,” as well as “Walk on By”. The modern bossa nova involves jazz like compositions done by non-Brazilian composers including its rhythms and tone such as in the song “Blue Bossa.” In reality, this type of music is really loved in popular culture and largely admired in the American jazz scene and among other popular creations. It is a sensation that is alluring and attractive to many listeners in the modern society and its popularity cuts across the world (Merrell 283). Bossa nova is responsible for the growth and evolution of current Brazilian music such as the development of the country’s popular composition (MPB). Most young Brazilian are influenced by bossa nova since it is the widely received music across all class divisions in the country. It is also evident that in the mid-90s, different European musicians looked for inspiration in this genre of music, including the electronic music, while generating styles like those of BossaElectrica and even TechnoBossa. Bebel Gilberto who happens to be the daughter of the creator Joao Gilberto, including other European groups such as Nouvelle Vague and Koop, made use of the music designs to develop further, its compositions. In essence, the bossa nova music is used widely across the world and many composers realize that it has smooth and soothing beats that attract crowds (Merrell 282). Conclusion Bossa nova is one of the most celebrated and admired types of music while it has its roots from Brazil. The word “bossa nova” is a Portuguese terminology that denotes “new way” because of the original trends this music generated. The music is known to have its original feel but with combination of jazz and samba tunes and style. The composer and singer Joao Gilberto and Carlos Jobim are remembered for the evolution and development of bossa nova music in Brazil and across the world. Various instruments are used in this music including guitar, piano, drums and at times strings that may be used together or separately. The music has its own melodies, harmony, and rhythm that are valued by composers. Today, great musicians appreciate bossa nova across the world and its impact is felt across the world. Works Cited Henry, Clarence. Quincy Jones: His Life in Music. Jackson, Mississippi: Univ. Press of Mississippi, 2013. Print. Merrell, Floyd. Complementing Latin American Borders. Lafayette, Indiana: Purdue University Press, 2005. Print. Read More