Biography
Antonio Carlos Jobim, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, studied piano and harmony in his early years and worked as a pianist in bars and studios, blending classical music influences with samba rhythms to pioneer bossa nova in the late 1950s. Collaborating with poet Vinicius de Moraes on works like the play Orfeu da Conceição and songs such as Chega de Saudade, Jobim created a genre fusing samba's syncopation with jazz harmonies and poetic lyrics, epitomized by global hits like The Girl from Ipanema. Elis Regina, rising as Brazil's most popular singer by the 1970s, brought emotional intensity and spontaneity to MPB and bossa nova, shaped by her performances and recordings amid Brazil's political turbulence[1][3].
In February 1974, Jobim and Regina met in Los Angeles to record the iconic bossa nova album Elis & Tom, capturing their warm rapport on tracks like Aguas de Março, considered one of Brazil's greatest songs. The sessions involved a tight-knit group including Regina's husband Cesar Camargo Mariano on piano, drummer Paulo Braga, bassist Luizao Maia, guitarist Oscar Castro-Neves, and producer Aloysio de Oliveira, evoking communal Brazilian music-making with extended, intimate engagement[1][2][6]. Jobim's style emphasized lush harmonies and poetic lyricism, while Regina's percussive passion contrasted cooler jazz interpretations, preserving bossa nova's roots against American commercialization[1][3].
Their collaboration produced a timeless recording hailed as a landmark for retaining Brazilian nuances, influencing jazz legacies, and showcasing ethnic diversity in music production. Jobim, the father of bossa nova, and Regina left enduring impacts through global popularity and cultural preservation[1][3][6].
Fun Facts
- Elis Regina flew to Los Angeles with her husband and son specifically to record with Jobim after requesting her label arrange the session[1].
- The Elis & Tom sessions featured a 'magical rhythm section' with family-like gatherings, meals, and woodshedding, unlike typical rushed recordings[1].
- Aguas de Março from Elis & Tom is considered by many, including the Brazilian press, the greatest Brazilian song ever[1].
- The album critiqued bossa nova's Americanization by restoring its spontaneous, down-to-earth Brazilian essence[1].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Vinicius de Moraes - Poet collaborator who inspired Jobim's early bossa nova compositions (Orfeu da Conceição, Chega de Saudade) [late 1950s]
Key Collaborators
- Vinicius de Moraes - Key partner in composing foundational bossa nova works (Orfeu da Conceição) [late 1950s]
- João Gilberto - Performer of early Jobim hits that defined bossa nova (Chega de Saudade) [late 1950s]
- Stan Getz - Jazz saxophonist who popularized Jobim's music internationally (Getz/Gilberto album) [1964]
- Astrud Gilberto - Vocalist on global hit introducing bossa nova (Getz/Gilberto, The Girl from Ipanema) [1964]
- Frank Sinatra - Singer blending Jobim's style with American jazz standards (Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim) [1960s]
- Cesar Camargo Mariano - Elis Regina's husband and pianist in recording sessions (Elis & Tom) [1974]
- Oscar Castro-Neves - Guitarist joining the small orchestra for tracks (Elis & Tom) [1974]
- Aloysio de Oliveira - Hands-on producer for the album (Elis & Tom) [1974]
Artists Influenced
- Jazz musicians - Incorporated bossa nova into repertoires post-Getz/Gilberto (Ongoing jazz legacy) [1960s onward]
Connection Network
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Antonio Carlos Jobim & Elis Regina has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 3, 2026 | 14:58 | Brigas Nunca Mais | Tudo Bem (Brazilian)w/ Dean Ellis | |
| Dec 8, 2025 | 01:57 | So Danco Sambafrom Antonio Brasileiro | The Dean's Listw/ Dean Ellis | |
| Nov 22, 2025 | 14:34 | O Rancho da Goiabada | Tudo Bem (Brazilian)w/ Dean Ellis |