bossa
Nova's musical partner
Bossa is a style or flair, from Portuguese.
The word appears mainly in bossa nova, the Brazilian musical genre that emerged in the late 1950s—a fusion of samba rhythms with jazz harmonies, characterized by understated vocals and syncopated guitar.
Literally "new trend" or "new wave," bossa nova became globally popular through songs like "The Girl from Ipanema."
Rio de Janeiro beach district
- Rio de JaneiroBrazilian coastal metropolis
- CopacabanaRio de Janeiro beachfront
- PortugueseOf a western Iberian nation
- BahiaBrazilian coastal state
caipirinha · carnival · Brazil · favela · Brasilia
Stressed unexpected beats
- improvisationSpontaneous, unplanned creation
- swingSuspended recreational seat
- bebopFast, complex jazz style
- fusionJoining into unity
harmony · chord progression · saxophone · piano · guitar · double bass · drums · ensemble
Pleasing sequence of notes
- vocalsSung musical parts
- guitarFretted stringed instrument
- harmonyAgreement or musical blend
- acousticRelating to sound
ballad · lyrics · serenade · composition · singer · songwriter · tune · refrain
Rhythmic pulse or strike
- syncopationStressed unexpected beats
- grooveNarrow cut or routine
- cadenceRhythmic pulse or pattern
- tempoRate of musical performance
swing · pulse · meter · pattern · flow · polyrhythm · backbeat · timing
Smoothly refined in manner
- sophisticatedWorldly and cultured
- effortlessRequiring no strain
- smoothWithout roughness or difficulty
- laid-backCalm and unhurried
relaxed · nonchalant · debonair · urbane · stylish · understated · poise · composure
Ipanema
Rio de Janeiro beach district
- Rio de JaneiroBrazilian coastal metropolis
- CopacabanaRio de Janeiro beachfront
- PortugueseOf a western Iberian nation
syncopation
Stressed unexpected beats
- improvisationSpontaneous, unplanned creation
- swingSuspended recreational seat
- bebopFast, complex jazz style
fusion · harmony · chord progression · saxophone · piano · guitar · double bass · drums · ensemble · soloist
melody
Pleasing sequence of notes
acoustic · ballad · lyrics · serenade · composition · singer · songwriter · tune · refrain · croon
beat
Rhythmic pulse or strike
- syncopationStressed unexpected beats
- grooveNarrow cut or routine
- cadenceRhythmic pulse or pattern
tempo · swing · pulse · meter · pattern · flow · polyrhythm · backbeat · timing · clave
suave
Smoothly refined in manner
- sophisticatedWorldly and cultured
- effortlessRequiring no strain
- smoothWithout roughness or difficulty
laid-back · relaxed · nonchalant · debonair · urbane · stylish · understated · poise · composure · unflappable
bossasalsa
Spicy tomato condiment
mambo · merengue · timba · heavy metal · punk rock
bossabig band
Large jazz ensemble
symphonic music · wall of sound · maximalism · progressive rock · carnival music
- bossa novaLyrical Brazilian jazz-samba blend