About this Artist

• Biography

Editorial Reviews

What sublime stuff this is. The renowned Brazilian guitarist and composer, instrumental in development of the bossa nova, produced a surfeit of recordings, many in France, where he made his home. Consolidating the best of his years with the Barclay and Festival labels, O Universo does a great service to connoisseurs and casual fans alike. Powell conquered Europe through his Barclay recording Le Monde Musical de Baden Powell in 1964, which contained his version of Jobim's "Garota de Ipanema" as well as classics he composed with the poet Vinicius de Moraes: "Berimbau" and "Deve Ser Amor," But there's more: Powell, a voracious musical talent, presents some of the classical stylings that distinguish his cosmopolitan work with a live performance of Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring." His first big hit, "Samba Triste" (written with vocalist Billy Blanco), also appears in a concert version. The second disc, dating from the '70s, includes some more collaborations with de Moraes ("Samba da Bençáo," "Canto de Ossanha") and further delights for jazz fans, such as a version of Monk's "Round About Midnight" and a duet with violinist Stephane Grapelli on the Gilberto Gil composition "Eu Vim da Bahia," which was recorded in one frenetic three-hour session in Paris. Throughout, whether solo or in duos and quartets, the intimacy of Powell's guitar is astounding, his musical vocabulary boundless -- an inimitable raconteur whose quiet voice has fascinating things to say. Mark Schwartz, Barnes & Noble

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