Blame It On The Bossa Nova

“Tall and tan and young and lovely, the girl from Ipanema goes walking, and when she passes, each one she passes goes ‘aah’!” Aah is right! Classic cocktail music is an art form in itself, especially the beautiful and sultry compositions by Antonia Carlos Jobim. Jobim created such classics as The Girl From Ipanema, Wave, Corcovado and Meditation. The art of performing live music for a cocktail reception requires knowledge of these amazing songs whether or not they are actually performed. It is the style in which they are played that matters the most – the style of the Bossa Nova, which is simply lyrical and sophisticated all at once.

When the time has arrived for your cocktail reception following your wedding ceremony, you (the bride and groom) may be spirited away by your photographer for extra shots during a lovely sunset, yet you leave your guests in the talented hands of your live musicians. A jazz trio, string quartet, solo piano/keyboard, harp or guitar can smoothly transition from your ceremony music into a sparkling selection of well-known songs in many genres keeping the gentle swing of the Bossa Nova style in mind. Everything from Cole Porter to Sarah McLachlan may be performed in a classic cocktail styling that adds an electric pizzazz to this special moment. Not that every song should be performed in the same manner, it is the atmosphere of a live performance that mixes genres and styles that catches your ears.

Be sure to discuss with your musicians ahead of time any favorite songs that you wish to hear at this time. It is so much fun to take a rock song and perform it with a twist and the cocktail reception is the perfect place to do so. Remember, that live music performance at this point in the event still requires the sound level to be one that allows the guests to mingle comfortably. Songs such as Wrapped Around Your Finger and Fields of Gold by Sting, or And I Love Her and Here, There and Everywhere by the Beatles are nicely performed in this easy Latin style. There are some oldies but goodies that naturally lend themselves to this style as they were composed with these rhythms in mind: The Look of Love, Goin’ Out Of My Head and A Man And A Woman are exquisite mid-century classics! Mix in a few popular upbeat Latin styles (Sway, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps, Por Favor), plus several timeless swing favorites (The Way You Look Tonight, Moonglow, Love Is Here To Stay) and you have a classy and fun cocktail reception that will appeal to your guests of all ages before you pump up the volume, as well as energy, with the dance music.

Musicians are always thinking outside of the box when it comes to reinterpreting great songs for live performance and the cocktail reception is an ideal setting for a varied repertoire. Pop songs from the 60’s to the 00’s are excellent for mixing styles. Hits such as Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper, Faithfully by Journey and Overjoyed by Stevie Wonder are easily performed together with the latest offerings from Jason Mraz, Norah Jones and Ray LaMontagne!

As the immortal Eydie Gormé sang, “Blame it on the bossa nova with its magic spell…Blame it on the bossa nova the dance of love”. Ask your professional musician about the possibilities – they are endless!

Live Music Series by Lisa Pressman   #6  ©2010 http://www.opusfromus.com/events

Lisa Pressman: Pianist On Water