Antonio Carlos Jobim : Favorites: Sun Sea And Sand

  Alex Acuna - Percussion
  Ana Lontra Jobim - Vocals
  Antonio Carlos Jobim - Guitar, Piano, Celeste, Harpsichord, Vocals
  Astrud Gilberto - Vocals
  Bobby Rosengarden - Percussion, Drums
  Claudio Slon - Percussion, Drums
  Claus Ogerman - Strings
  Danilo Caymmi - Flute, Vocals
  Dom Um Romao - Percussion, Drums
  George Duvivier - Bass
  Harvey Mason, Sr. - Drums
  Herbie Hancock - Piano
  Jaques Morelenbaum - Cello
  Jerome Richardson - Flute
  Jimmy Cleveland - Trombone
  Jon Hendricks - Vocals
  Jose (Bigorna) Carlos - Drums
  Joseph Singer - French Horn
  Joao Gilberto - Guitar, Vocals
  Luiz Bonfa - Guitar
  Maria Toledo - Vocals
  Maucha Adnet - Vocals
  Milton Banana - Drums
  Oscar Castro-Neves - Guitar
  Paula Morelenbaum - Vocals
  Paulinho Braga - Drums
  Paulo Jobim - Guitar, Vocals
  Raymond Beckenstein - Flute
  Romeo Penque - Flute
  Ron Carter - Bass
  Sebastian Neto - Bass
  Simone Caymmi - Vocals
  Stan Getz - Trombone, Sax (Tenor)
  Tommy Williams Jr. - Bass
  Urbie Green - Trombone

This 23-track collection of Jobim bossa nova material is beautifully assembled and remastered on England's Wrasse label. The contents of this package are for the most part classics with few surprises, but the sequencing and the accent on vocal performances is attractive. The songs range from 1963's 'O Morro Nao Tem Vez,' with Astrud Gilberto, and 1974's 'Aguas de Marco,' with Elis Regina, to 'Saudade de Bahia,' with Dorival Caymmi and Jobim himself in 1964. There are many cuts here from the mid-'60s. There are tracks with Stan Getz in 1964 ( 'Desafinado' ) and again in 1967's 'So Danco Samba,' with Getz, George Duvivier, Jobim, Luiz Bonfa, Jose Carlos, and Tommy Williams with vocalist Maria Toledo. The beautiful 'Passarim' from 1986 showcases Jobim in large company (ten pieces) with some of his country's greatest musicians, including Caymmi and Sebastian Neto, as well as the great drummer Paolo Braga. The strangest thing here is a version of 'Chega de Suadade,' recorded at the Free Jazz Festival in Brazil with Jon Hendricks, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Harvey Mason, Alex Acuna, and Oscar Castro-Neves -- no Jobim in sight. Those coming to Jobim for the first time have many collections to choose from, to be sure, but this one has the original versions of his tunes, beautiful sound, great liner notes, and 70 minutes of music that are a deep introduction to the composer, guitarist, and singer. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide