Stone Flower (CTI Records 40th Anniversary Edition)

One of the most famous and influential artists in Latin jazz, Rio-born Antonio Carlos Jobim enjoyed a lengthy career that spanned the course of four decades and countless excellent records. After the '60s ended and bossa nova's crossover appeal was waning, he connected with Creed Taylor's new CTI label and recorded Stone Flower, one of his most beloved albums. Engineered by Rudy Van Gelder, arranged by fellow Brazilian Eumir Deodato, and featuring a team of crack session players (Ron Carter, Hubert Laws, Airto, and Urbie Green, to name a few), it was mellower and more sensual than some of his earlier work, both sophisticated and simple in its melodies, tones, and production. Understated horn lines, tinkling piano riffs, breezy guitar parts, and super rhythmic percussion are the order of the day here, culminating in an instantly likeable mix that has been compared to Miles' classic Kind of Blue. Everything on here is great, check out "Tereza My Love," "Choro," "Andorinha," and "Brazil (Alternate Take)."