Rosa

With due respect to Claus Ogerman and Tom Jobim's orchestration, bossa nova music is at its most beautiful when it is stripped down. Joao Gilberto knows it, performing solo for several years now, and Rosa Passos proves it on her solo disc, the aptly titled Rosa. Coy, innocent, and playful, the full nuance of Passos's voice is in full bloom here. Even her breathing is musical, seemingly creating tension before the next line is sung, and every stretched syllable, moan, and inflection is so intimate that she seems to be on the couch next to you. Buoyant and contemplative, her acoustic guitar playing pulses with a bossa nova heartbeat. She takes on mix of originals and covers here, making each song her own even when she draws upon such non-Brazilian writers as Jorge Drexler and Keren Ann. Highlights include the heartbreaking original "Sutilezas," "Jardim," and vocal-only opener "Duas Contas." No trendy beats or new fusions, Rosa is bossa nova in its purest form. --Tad Hendrickson