Genre Definition
What is Bossa Nova music?
Bossa Nova is a music genre that originated 1958--present. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, late 1950s.
Origin of Bossa Nova
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, late 1950s. Joao Gilberto, Tom Jobim, and lyricist Vinicius de Moraes fused samba rhythm with cool jazz harmony. Gilberto's whispered vocal delivery and simplified guitar syncopation were radical departures from samba's exuberance. Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto's Getz/Gilberto (1964) brought it to international audiences.
Era: 1958--present
Defining sound of Bossa Nova
Syncopated guitar patterns derived from samba but quieter and more intimate. Jazz chord voicings (7ths, 9ths, 11ths). Soft, conversational vocal delivery. BPM typically 100-130. Production is intimate and minimalist. Melody and harmony are sophisticated without being academic.
Pioneers of Bossa Nova
- Joao Gilberto
- Tom Jobim
- Astrud Gilberto
- Carlos Lyra
- Nara Leao
Key Bossa Nova artists
Related genres
Frequently asked questions about Bossa Nova
- When did Bossa Nova start?
- Bossa Nova originated 1958--present. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, late 1950s.
- Who invented Bossa Nova?
- Bossa Nova was pioneered by Joao Gilberto, Tom Jobim, Astrud Gilberto, Carlos Lyra, Nara Leao. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, late 1950s. Joao Gilberto, Tom Jobim, and lyricist Vinicius de Moraes fused samba rhythm with cool jazz harmony. Gilberto's whispered vocal delivery and simplified guitar syncopation were radical departures from samba's exuberance. Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto's Getz/Gilberto (1964) brought it to international audiences.
- Is Bossa Nova still popular?
- Bossa Nova continues to be listened to and has influenced countless artists since its origins. Key contemporary artists in the genre include Stan Getz, Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Marcos Valle.
- What does Bossa Nova sound like?
- Syncopated guitar patterns derived from samba but quieter and more intimate. Jazz chord voicings (7ths, 9ths, 11ths). Soft, conversational vocal delivery. BPM typically 100-130. Production is intimate and minimalist. Melody and harmony are sophisticated without being academic.
- What is the difference between Bossa Nova and jazz?
- Bossa Nova and jazz are related genres that share some characteristics but differ in origin, instrumentation, and production approach. See the jazz definition page for a full comparison.
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