Bossa Nova / Soul Samba

With his thick, engaging sound and easy romanticism, Ike Quebec was a natural fit for the bossa nova wave that Stan Getz helped kick-start in 1962. On Soul Samba, though, this is far more than a quick jump on a trend.

Quebec brings real personality to the session, making bold repertoire choices and threading a deep blues feeling through the album. That extra weight gives Soul Samba a distinctive place among bossa nova records, adding something richer and more individual to the soft, light touch of the style.

The result is warm, danceable music with a late-night hush to it, the kind of record that feels intimate without ever pushing too hard. A big part of that comes from Quebec's natural feel, but also from the brilliant support of guitarist Kenny Burrell, who is absolutely stellar throughout.

The material is especially well chosen. The Brazilian selections avoid the obvious route, with no Jobim standards in sight, and both Quebec and Burrell contribute originals that stand among the album's highlights, especially Blue Samba and Loie. Quebec also reshapes some unlikely sources, turning the traditional standard Liebestraum and the Dvorak theme Goin' Home into surprisingly effective samba pieces.

Thoughtfully conceived and beautifully played, Soul Samba treats bossa nova as a fresh vehicle for personal expression rather than a passing fad. Sadly, it was Ike Quebec's final album, but it closes his career on a genuine high note.