“The Legendary Joao Gilberto” (Capitol/World Pacific)This is...

“The Legendary Joao Gilberto” (Capitol/World Pacific)

This is the fountainhead -- bossa nova in the process of being invented. Three LPs are included in the single CD: Gilberto’s first release, “Chega de Saudade,” from 1959, as well as “O Amor, E Sorriso E A Flor” from 1960 and “Joao Gilberto” from 1961. It may be hard to find, but it’s worth whatever it takes to locate a copy.

“Getz/Gilberto” (Polygram)

Stan Getz had already had a bossa nova breakthrough via 1962’s “Jazz Samba.” But in this 1964 album, the lineup was incomparable: Gilberto’s stunning guitar; some of Getz’s most lyrical tenor saxophone work; Antonio Carlos Jobim’s perfectly placed piano lines; and Astrud Gilberto (Joao’s wife at the time) singing the English lyrics for “The Girl From Ipanema.”

“Amoroso/Brasil” (Warner Bros.)

This is actually a pair of LPs combined into a single CD. “Amoroso,” from 1977, features Gilberto in lush string settings provided by Claus Ogerman. On “Brasil,” from 1981, Johnny Mandel arranges for a Brazilian ensemble that includes Gilberto as well as tropicalia stars Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil and Maria Bethania.

“Joao Gilberto: Live in Montreux”

(Elektra Musician)

A gorgeous, live performance from 1985, beautifully defining the utter musical intimacy Gilberto can create, regardless of the setting. This single-CD American album, however, includes only half the material present on the initial two-CD WEA Brasil release.

“Joao Voz E Violao” (Verve/Polygram)

Recorded in 2000, Gilberto performs in the most pristine musical setting -- thus the title, “Joao Voice and Guitar.” The material is familiar -- “Desafinado,” “Chega de Saudade,” etc. But the additional appeal is the tinge of maturity in the performances, the work of a great master still in his prime.

-- Don Heckman