Bossa Nova

The Brazilian trio, which won a Grammy in 2002, is known for mixing new and classic bossa nova tunes with electronica. Critic Milo Miles says The Best of Bossacucanova has a "captivating flow."

Music review "Brasil: A Century Of Song" by Milo Miles. .

World music commentator Milo Miles looks at old and new releases by Baden Powell, a guitarist associated with Bossa Nova.

World music critic Milo Miles says the Brazilian style was seen as a mark of refinement for both Brazilian and American listeners. But it's this polish that can sometimes make the genre tiresome. Nonetheless, the new CD The Legendary Joao Gilberto is a worthwhile listen.

Brazilian singer/songwriter Caetano Veloso (kah-TAH-no vah-LOW-sah). He's revered as one of the primary architects of "tropicalismo," - a 1960's cultural and musical movement that reevaluated traditional Brazilian music and incorporated non-Brazilian musical styles. Leftist intellectuals denounced his music for it's use of foreign influences. In the late 1960's he was jailed and exiled from Brazil for his participation in the musical movement because the government feared the social force it might have.

Composer Antonio Carlos Jobim, who introduced America and Europe to bossa nova, the sensual, urbane musical idiom of Brazil. Before he started composing bossa novas in the 50s, he wrote symphonies, drawing from his training as a classical musician. His most widely circulated works include "The Girl from Ipanema" and "Desafinado."

Brazilian guitarist Orlando Haddad performs two songs popular during "Carnaval," the holiday that preceded Lent.

Brazilian guitarist Orlando Haddad performs two compositions.

Brazilian composer and guitarist Orlando Haddad will perform two songs popularized in Brazilian films.

The bossa nova duo comprises married couple guitarist Orlando Haddad and pianist Patricia King, who both sing. Fresh Air producer Danny Miller asks them about the growth of their career and the unique rhythms they incorporate into their performances.

Jazz musician player Charlie Byrd explains his development as a guitar player, his interest in classical music, and the influence of bossa nova on his approach to his instrument.

Astrud Gilberto explains how she fell into singing and the popularity of bossa nova.