An iconic figure of the Bossa Nova, Brazilian pianist, composer and arranger João Donato (born in 1934; he is 84 years old at this writing) introduced a new original rhythm pattern to the genre. He is profoundly influential, having inspired generations of musicians. João Gilberto confessed to having taken his bossa nova beat at the violão from Donato’s piano playing. The pianist first worked with Altamiro Carrilho, and went on to perform with other musicians including Antônio Carlos Jobim, Johnny Alf, Bud Shank, Ron Carter, Airto Moreira, Eumir Deodato, Randy Brecker, Ray Barretto, Mongo Santamaria, Tito Puente, Astrud Gilberto, Cal Tjader, and several others. His solo career includes 29 albums recorded since 1953. Presented here in their entireties are two of Donato’s best albums ever, both recorded in a quartet format in 1962 and featuring the great Milton Banana on drums: A Bossa Muito Moderna de João Donato (Polydor LPNG-4 107) and Muito à Vontade (Polydor LPNG-4085). JOÃO DONATO, piano NETO MARTINS or TIÃO NETO, bass AMAURY RODRIGUES, percussion MILTON BANANA, drums Recorded in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1962. 1-12: A Bossa Muito Moderna de João Donato (Polydor LPNG-4 107) 13-24: Muito à Vontade (Polydor LPNG-4085) Bonus track (25): Paulo Moura & His Orchestra, including: Joao Luiz (tb), Paulo Moura (as), Moacyr Silva (ts), Januario (bar), João Donato (p), Jorge Marinho (b), Dimas Sedycias (d). Rio de Janeiro, 1955. 1. Depois Do Natal 2. Rio 3. Bluchanga 4. So Dango Samba 5. Sambongo 6. O Morro Nao Tem Vez 7. Silk Stop 8. Outra Vez 9. Indio Perdido 10. Noa Noa 11. Villa Grazia 12. Sambolero 13. Muito a Vontade 14. Tim Dom Dom 15. Para Que Chorar 16. Sambou Sambou 17. Jodel 18. Vamos Nessa 19. Minha Saudade 20. Naquele Base 21. Olhou Para Mim 22. Tema Teimoso 23. So Se For Agora 24. Caminho De Casa 25. Silk Stop (1955 Version Bonus Track)
