Era Bom

I love Brazilian music. I particularly love Elza Soares for her scatting rendition of "Era bom" because she sounds like Louis Armstrong. Jazzy, full of horns, and that relentless samba rhythm make this song worthy of repeat listens.

Se Acaso Você Chegasse

"Se Acaso Você Chegasse," when Elza Soares was in her early prime. Although she is legendary and has remained relevant to Brazilian popular music, her early sound is what I prefer. She's jazzier, scats (hence the Louis Armstrong comparison, and the shared raspiness), features a big bang sound that recalls samba's origins in the large processions and public revelry, and her ostentatious display and style forces one to include Afro-Brazilians. Indeed, entitling one of her early albums A Bossa Negra was a startling find (to me, at least), but perhaps that was more due to how white record labels marketed her. Regardless, she's an amazing singer. Check out her version of "Marambaia" and "O Gato" for more examples.