Verve Label Group and UMe have launched Verve Vault, a new vinyl reissue series that celebrates classic jazz albums and hidden gems from Verve’s extensive catalog. The series will feature two releases each month, starting on October 10.
One of the first titles is “The Composer of Desafinado Plays,” which was originally released in 1963. This album marked the U.S. debut of Brazilian songwriter and pianist Antonio Carlos Jobim as a bandleader. Recorded in New York in 1962 and produced by Creed Taylor, it showcases Jobim’s gentle piano style alongside lush orchestral arrangements by Claus Ogerman. This collaboration helped shape the bossa nova sound that gained popularity in the U.S.
The album features a mix of American musicians and Brazilian artists, including flautist Leo Wright and drummer Edison Machado. It presents Jobim’s compositions in a refined jazz style, appealing to listeners who were discovering bossa nova through artists like Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd. The tracklist includes early versions of some of Jobim’s most famous songs, such as “Desafinado,” “Chega de Saudade,” and “One Note Samba.”
With its smooth textures and rich harmonies, the album highlights the intimate style that became a signature of Jobim’s work, solidifying his role in the bossa nova movement.
The Verve Vault Series offers all-analog 180-gram vinyl reissues of essential albums from Verve, Impulse!, Mercury, and more. Each release is mastered by Ryan K. Smith from the original analog tapes and pressed at Optimal, ensuring top-notch audio quality and attention to detail. Check out the Verve Vault Series now!
