Sergio Mendes

While Tom Jobim was bossa nova's songwriting genius, Sergio Mendes was the better jazz pianist. Jobim would have probably agreed with that statement, as he doubles as guitarist and musical director on this sublime platter, which matches the two Brazilian musical pioneers with the first-rate American jazz musicians Art Farmer, Phil Woods and Hubert Laws. Though Mendes is usually remembered for his easy-listening bossa/pop sessions, he was always a supple pianist with a lean, rhythmic style. This ranks alongside In Person at El Matador as Mendes' best bossa nova session.