Joao Gilberto is one of the greatest figures in 20th century Brazilian music, and this set is a worthy companion to the earlier “Bossa Nova 1958-1961” (FA5363), which retraced the beginnings of the movement in the late Fifties amongst the poets and musicians of Rio. Here are Joao Gilberto’s first three legendary albums presented on one CD: the titles are raw diamonds, and as many cornerstones for the bossa nova movement to come. The soft songs of Gilberto, accompanied by his unique guitar, are essential to the international fame of the music of Brazil. Patrick FReMEAUX