In the early Sixties, a new kind of music was brewing in the night spots of Rio de Janeiro. In hip circles it was known as the “new thing”?Portuguese translation: bossa nova. Brazilian Folk, Samba, Pop and American Jazz formed the basis of a new music, featuring subtle rhythms and highly lyrical melodies. Singer João Gilberto and composer / pianist Antonio Carlos Jobim are two of the most important men responsible for the creation of Bossa Nova.

Herbie Mann has always enjoyed a reputation as a musical internationalist. He was the leading exponent of Afro-Cuban music in the Jazz and Pop music ?elds. Mann was also one of the ?rst American musicians to hear the new Brazilian music when he journeyed to that country, and he was fascinated by it. On his return to the Unites States, Mann introduced the music to audiences wherever he played.

In 1965, Mann ?ew to Rio to record with a group of Brazilian musicians. Antonio Carlos Jobim helped him prepare the material for the recording sessions, and developed a great respect for Mann’s understanding of and his ability to play Brazilian music. Jobim plays piano on several tracks and sings on “One Note Samba”. João Gilberto has come to be recognized as the voice of the new Brazilian music.