JOHNNY ALF - 2 LPS EM 1 CD

As an unquestionable bossa nova forerunner, Rio de Janeiro-native Alfredo José da Silva, or Johnny Alf, has paid a price for being ahead of his time. Upon his debut on disc, Rapaz de Bem (from 1961, appearing here along with the follow-up album, Diagonal, from 1964), João Gilberto had already put out three LPs that had defined the bossa syntax, including the renown guitar beat that would eventually lead drummers to explore the tempo in a different manner. Alf's debut LP still featured arrangements more identified with the previous ruling style, sambalanço (groovy samba, or samba-swing). Alf's revolutionary piano shines in tracks like Feitiçaria, O Que É Amar, Fim de Semana em Eldorado and Tudo Distante de Mim, although the excessive brass and strings arrangements do not go well with his intimate approach.

Things change on the second album, starting with the utilization of an organ (rescued due to the current appreciation of lounge music) in tracks like Desejo do Mar, Vejo a Tarde Cair and Moça Flor. Since the albums have been reunited in this 21-track CD, the sambalanço disc should get two stars and the bossa nova expert album, four. Final score: three stars. (Tárik de Souza)