50 years of bossa nova

It all began in earnest  with João Gilberto's hit record, "Chega de Saudade", a song which has become an alternative national anthem.  (You can Gilberto's recording here.) Millions of people beyond Brazil's borders discovered the music a few years later when Gilberto teamed up with Stan Getz. As for modern treatments of the bossa sound, it's worth trying to find a copy of  "A Bossa de Caetano". This clip of Gal Costa performing "Chega" is seductive too, and it also includes a translation. A pity she's not appearing at the Barbican's anniversary concert later this month, but Dori Caymmi, João Donato and Celso Fonseca are all on the bill.