Lost 1978 session from legendary Brazilian drummer Edison Machado released by Far Out Recordings

Edison Machado & Boa Nova, Far Out Recordings

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Lost 1978 session from legendary Brazilian drummer Edison Machado released by Far Out Recordings

London’s Far Out Recordings has unearthed and released a previously lost 1978 session featuring legendary Brazilian drummer Edison Machado and his incredible, yet short-lived sextet ensemble, Boa Nova.

Machado was one of the instrumental musicians, along with Antonio Carlos Jobim and João Gilberto, who helped development the bossa nova sound, innovating the dynamic rhythm known as “samba no prato” (samba on the cymbals). After making his name in Rio’s legendary Beco das Garrafas (Bottles Alley) in the 1950s and early ’60s, Machado went on to form the legendary instrumental bossa nova group Bossa Três. He also went on to collaborate with Stan Getz, Sergio Mendes, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Milton Nascimento, and Chet Baker, while his 1964 album Edison Machado É Samba Novo is considered by many as one of the greatest Brazilian jazz recordings.

After facing persecution under Brazil’s military dictatorship and being forced to sell his drum kit in 1976, Machado fled to New York, and put together the Boa Nova ensemble, which featured both Brazilian and and US musicians, including Paulinho Trompete (flugelhorn/trumpet), Ion Muniz (tenor saxophone), Steve Sacks (baritone saxophone), Mozar Terra (piano), and Ricardo dos Santos (double bass).

Now 46 years later, Far Out Recordings has dug up and released the group’s only recording. The 11-track 80 minute session is simply jazz at it’s best, bringing together North and South American jazz rhythmic traditions, samba, and hard-bop that will definitely have you on the edge of your seat. There are also a number of dancefloor jazz gems, including the opener “Porto Feliz”, the 8-plus minute instant classic “Janeiro”, and the high flyin’ “Ascensão”.

Once again, Joe Davis and Far Out Recordings has brought light to another once-forgotten recording, and one that covers an important chapter in Edison Machado’s music career. Released as a gatefold 2xLP, this is a must-own for any and all jazz fans. One of the year’s best!