post bossa

Post-Bossa: A Groove Beyond the Beach

Bossa nova, with its breezy rhythms and seductive melodies, swept the world in the late 50s and early 60s. But like all good things, it had to evolve. Enter post-bossa, a genre that took the foundation of bossa and built upon it with a more diverse palette of influences, from jazz and rock to folk and psychedelia.

The Early Days:

The late 60s saw bossa nova’s playful spirit morphing into a more experimental, introspective sound. Artists like João Gilberto and Stan Getz began incorporating elements of jazz and improvisation into their music. Astrud Gilberto‘s groundbreaking album, “The Astrud Gilberto Album,” showcased the influence of jazz and samba, achieving international success.

The Fusion Frenzy:

By the 70s, post-bossa had fully embraced its fusion side. Artists like Marcos Valle and Gal Costa incorporated funk, soul, and rock influences, creating a vibrant and eclectic sound. This era also witnessed the emergence of MPB (Música Popular Brasileira), a broad genre encompassing elements of folk, rock, and bossa nova.

Fun Fact: Gal Costa was known for her eccentric outfits and performances, once even performing with a boa constrictor draped over her shoulders!

The Global Reach:

The 80s and 90s saw post-bossa music expand its reach beyond Brazil. Caetano Veloso, a major figure in MPB, became a global icon, while Chico Buarque and Milton Nascimento continued to blend genres, earning international acclaim.

Fun Fact: Chico Buarque is also a renowned playwright and novelist, showcasing his multifaceted artistic talent.

A Modern Revival:

Today, post-bossa is experiencing a resurgence, with artists like Seu Jorge and Ana Caram reinterpreting classic bossa nova tunes and fusing them with modern styles. Bebel Gilberto, granddaughter of João Gilberto, has carved her own path, bringing a contemporary sensibility to the genre.

Fun Fact: Seu Jorge famously voiced the character of “The Man with the Guitar” in Wes Anderson’s “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou,” performing his own renditions of David Bowie classics.

Post-bossa, with its eclectic and evolving nature, continues to captivate audiences around the world. This vibrant genre, born from the breezy rhythms of bossa nova, showcases the endless possibilities of musical innovation and the enduring legacy of Brazilian music.