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March 19, 2015
naomi & goro: "Bossa Nova Songbook 1" Interview (Part 1)
Enjoying Bossa Nova's 50th Anniversary
naomi & goro "Bossa Nova Songbook 1" Release Interview (1)
Released in 1958, "Chega de Saudade" was composed by Antônio Carlos Jobim, with lyrics by Vinicius de Moraes, and performed with vocals and guitar by João Gilberto. Fifty years have passed since the recording of this landmark first bossa nova song, and as celebrations unfold worldwide with commemorative concerts and album releases, we spoke with Goro Ito and Naomi Fuse of naomi & goro, who have released "Bossa Nova Songbook 1," featuring Jobim's masterpieces and João Gilberto's repertoire.
Compiled by Makoto Kajii (This Magazine)Photo by Jamandfix
Encountering Bossa Nova and Discussing the New Album
— Your profiles mention that you two met in '99.
Naomi FuseIt was when a musician brought Goro-san to where I was singing and introduced us.
Goro ItoWe started playing together at an Italian restaurant in Kamakura shortly after meeting in '99.
NaomiI wanted to create bossa nova with two guitars and vocals, so it was a wonderful encounter.
— What drew you to bossa nova?
GoroMy father, who only listened to classical music, had the "Getz/Gilberto" record, and I first heard bossa nova when I was in junior high school. I've loved it ever since that initial bossa nova craze (laughs).
NaomiI had always loved the harmonies, melodies, and rhythms of bossa nova. But in '96, I saw musicians performing at a restaurant that served churrasco, a Brazilian dish popular at the time, and thought, "That's it, I'm going to do it!" The very next day, I started learning guitar, singing, and Portuguese all from scratch.
— What prompted the creation of this album?
GoroWe always played songs from "Bossa Nova Songbook 1" during our live performances. Since 2008 marks the 50th anniversary of bossa nova, we decided we wanted to create a cover album of bossa nova standards. That was the catalyst.
— Please tell us about your favorite songs on the album.
GoroI particularly like the first track, "Águas de Março." Since Professor (Ryuichi Sakamoto) agreed to play piano on it, I definitely wanted to include it. The sound image came together quickly, and the recording was a lot of fun. It was our first time playing with the Professor, but I felt the joy of bringing good music into form.
NaomiI also love "Águas de Março." It's very intuitive, but I felt it turned out with a three-dimensional quality, like 3D. I was nervous playing with the Professor (laughs), but it was enjoyable hearing various anecdotes about Jobim's home. The Professor is a very kind person, and I could tell he deeply loves Jobim.
GoroThe Professor also participated in the fifth track, "É Preciso Perdoar." This song is rarely covered because João Gilberto's version is so iconic. We hoped that adding the Professor's piano would enhance it, and that wish came true.
naomi & goro "Bossa Nova Songbook 1" (commmons)
Release: Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Price (incl. tax): ¥3,000
Product Number: RZCM-45891
This year, 2008, sees the release of an album filled with masterful covers, befitting the 50th anniversary of bossa nova.
The album features 13 tracks, including Antônio Carlos Jobim's "The Girl from Ipanema," a masterpiece of 20th-century popular music, repertoire from João Gilberto, and one new song written for this album!
Ryuichi Sakamoto also contributes piano on two tracks, adding even more color and depth to the finished work.
naomi & goro Official Website | http://www.naomiandgoro.jp/