Bola Sete Albums (5)
'Live at Grace Cathedral'
Release Date 3/8/2005
Tracks 11
Label Samba Moon
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What The Critics Say
Sete led a trio on this mid-1963 date, backed by Fred Schrieber on bass and John Rae on drums. It tilts a little to the mellower, more sentimental side than more driving sessions such as the one he did the previous year for Bossa Nova. It's still quality by-the-fire jazz bossa nova music, Sete's playing a lesson in both skill and discreet economy. While he wrote three of the ten songs, his repertoire of cover selections is fairly wide ranging, taking in "Moon River," Dizzy Gillespie's "Tour de Force," and, as a special highlight, his version of Isaac Albeinz's "Asturias," the mournful flamenco-influenced song familiar to any student of Spanish-style guitar. There's also a samba that Luiz Bonfa had a hand in writing ("Sambe de Orfeu"), and as one of the niftier detours from the usual, a solo interpretation of J.S. Bach's "Bourree." The 2001 CD reissue on Fantasy also includes the entirety of his late-1962 session Bossa Nova, which is an excellent midpoint between bossa nova and mainstream American jazz. ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Those familiar with Sete's jazzy bossa nova work on Fantasy might be somewhat surprised by the material on Vol. 1. The lighthearted tone of his collaborations with Vince Guaraldi, as well as his other efforts for that label, while not to be taken lightly, don't even begin to approach the introspective moods to be found on Vol. 1. The more traditional numbers like the opener, "Vira Mundo Penba," take on a sadness that goes beyond what most people understand about Brazilian "saudade," while "Macumba" is just downright dark. There is much to enjoy in this set. Not only does it showcase Sete's mesmerizing guitar work, but also a depth not found in the majority of his catalog. One could perhaps describe this music as a combination of Sete's original style with the probing, existential nature of John Fahey's America. This session was reissued by the Windham Hill subsidiary, Lost Lake Arts, in 1981 and retitled Ocean. ~ Brandon Burke, All Music Guide
'Bola Sete at the Monterey Jazz Festival'
Release Date 1/1/1967
Tracks 6
Label Verve
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