Doug Munro
Big Boss Bossa Nova 2.0
CMG Records
By George W. Harris

Well, it must be leap year, because it seems that only then does a Bossa Nova disc come out that doesn’t have some rehashed Jobim on it. Kudos to guitarist Doug Munro, who has released a fantastically fresh take on this seductively sublime form of jazz. This disc, a followup to his more elaborate BBBN from last year, features a crisp bare bones trio, taking originals and intriguing jazz standards and putting them through the Bossa Blender, creating a delicious drink to imbibe. His own tunes, like “Prayer” and “Sticks N’ Stones” are well crafted and snappy. What shows off Munro’s doctrine is his interpretation of Bop Classics. Monk’s “Bemsha Swing” and Hubbard’s “Little Sunflower” are brightened up and freshened up considerably. Even more surprising the captivating reading of Rollins’ “Blue Seven” which combines the allure of hard bop and Brazil like nothing else. A refreshing release that will brighten up any set of ears.