Zoot Sims - New Beat Bossa Nova Vol. 1 & 2 (1962) [Remastered 2013]

This release compiles two wonderful LPs presenting Zoot Sims playing bossa nova songs, as well as jazz standards in a bossa nova mood arranged by Manny Albam and Al Cohn: New Beat Bossa Nova (Colpix SCP435), and its sequel, New Beat Bossa Nova Vol. 2 (Colpix SCP437). Recorded in 1962, these were among the first albums to combine bossa nova and jazz. Both LPs feature the outstanding guitarist Jim Hall as a soloist. Curiously, in between the recording of both albums, Sims participated on a third bossa nova project, this time a vocal one, fronted by singer Vi Velasco. This CD has been completed with five selected songs from that LP on which Sims plays solos.