(Bossa Nova) Guitars Unlimited (w/ Jack Marshall, Howard Roberts, Laurindo Almeida, Shelly Manne, etc.) - Quiet Nights and Brazilian Guitars - 1966, MP3, 320 kbps

Yet another record of instrumental hits meant to cash in on the bossa nova craze, or L.A. session musicians at the top of their game? Certainly fans of Howard Roberts, once a recording artist for Verve, will not want to miss this one, as the cool guitarist lends solos to all but one of the tracks here, a usual assortment of Jobim and Gilberto tunes and soundalikes. No strings anywhere on the album, and arranger Jack Marshall keeps things light and lively. Easy to find in cut-out bins and certainly worth the dollar or two price.

A few short years ago the rich, subtle rhythms of Brazil's popular music swept north to dazzle the American musical scene with a tantalizing new sound. Today that sound has become a permanent part of our musical ways.
It is easy to see why, for Brazilian composers have a way of combining melody and rhythm in a meld that gives a feeling of romance to every note, an amorous message to every chord. And this is the spirit that Guitars Unlimited have captured in their first recording ... an album of contemporary moods styled for listening today! No violins, no brass, no reeds, only soft guitars and gentle rhythm ... and a program of romantic statements as welcome as spring's first sunlight.
The musicians who weave these inspired sounds are unmistakably among today's finest. And this, of course, explains much of the effortless grace and carefree zest heard in their harmonious blends and solo passages. The arrangements of Jack Marshall tell the rest of the story, for he has brought these artists together with a skillful hand and a gifted feeling for the magical beauty of this Brazilian music.
And together, Guitars Unlimited make a wonderful new kind of music that is the essence of romantic moods, quiet nights and Brazilian guitars.