(MUSIC / MUSIC DIRECTOR CONT'D) Eumir Deodato says that playing Tom Jobim's songs has always given him great pleasure: "In writing the new orchestrations, I tried to remember what it was like when we worked together. And I tried to reinterpret his work, as if commissioned by him. I introduced a few subtle changes in the new instrumental orchestrations. In fact, I tried to reproduce the sounds of the '60s, with a contemporary feel to them," says he.

BOSSA NOVA's soundtrack was recorded at three of the best studios in New York: Right Track, Avatar, and Edison Studio. The latter was used only for the piano recordings, since it is located in the Hotel Edison, who owns the best Steinway in town.

The sophistication of the soundtrack posed a few logistic challenges. For instance, the base tracks of the song "Só tinha que ser com você" were recorded in New York, with Djavan's voice recorded in Rio. The final orchestration was recorded with musicians from the New York Symphonic Orchestra. The opening song, "Inútil Paisagem", is sung by Barbara Mendes, a singer who's been drawing crowds to her performances at Manhattan's Café Wha! Brazilian Monday Nights. Finally, "Insensatez" is sung by Sting.

Living in the U.S. for the several years, Eumir Deodato is now a highly-celebrated producer, having worked with artists such as Kool and The Gang, and the Icelandic female singer Björk. BOSSA NOVA's soundtrack proves that, despite geographic distances, Brazilian music remains a strong source of inspiration worldwide.