Quebec, Ike: Bossa Nova Soul Samba (Blue Note Tone Poet) LP

Ike Quebec’s final album Bossa Nova Soul Samba put the tenor saxophonist’s unique spin on the bossa nova craze sweeping the jazz world in 1962. Ike’s sensual tone imbues the breezy Brazilian vibe with a soulful dose of the blues to create a mellifluous masterpiece featuring Kenny Burrell on guitar, Wendell Marshall on bass, Willie Bobo on drums, and Garvin Masseaux on chekere. The sublime set weaves together Brazilian tunes, classical themes, and originals by Quebec and Burrell into a seamless tapestry. In a bittersweet twist of fate, Quebec’s artistic resurgence would be cut short just 3 months later when he died of lung cancer at age 44.