Elis Regina & Zimbo Trio - O Fino do Fino (1965) [Reissue 2018]

One of the first great moments on record from the legendary Elis Regina – a singer with a hell of a voice, and one that had already been winning over huge crowds in Brazil – which is probably why this album, like most of her first, was done in a live setting! The vibe here is different than the rest of those, though – as Elis sings with superb instrumentation from the Zimbo Trio – who themselves are really evolving at this point, and shading in Regina's vocals with just the right mixture of swing and darkness – a bit like Tamba Trio, but without their harmonies. The Zimbo group also get to perform instrumentally in a few spots – and titles include versions of Edu Lobo's "Cheganca", "Zambi", and "Cancao Do Amanhecer", plus "Samba Novo", "Chuva", and a great reading of "Aruanda", with hard bossa lines throughout!