Corcovado Looms Large Over South American Rhythm

Corcovado refers to the "Hunchback" mountain in the Tijuca Forest near Rio de Janeiro. Similar to the granite peak itself, this track emerges above its surroundings on the album Cannonball's Bossa Nova (Capitol Records, 1963).

Immediately following guitarist Durval Ferreira's three introductory chromatic chords, Cannonball Adderley's alto saxophone glides above and gently overlays the rhythm section of Sergio Mendes (piano), Octavio Bailly Jr. (bass), and Dom Um Romão (drums).

Written by Antonio Carlos Jobim, at a distinctive 127 beats per minute, this rendition, arranged and led by Mendes, offers lush melodies combined with a mid-tempo samba rhythm. Romão's syncopated, 2/4 meter, cross-sticking—suggestive of traditional claves—provides an insistent yet relaxed groove (with a subdued yet stylistic expressiveness he would later contribute to early 1970s Weather Report performances and recordings).

Adderley's soulful playing complements rather than transforms this arrangement, lending color and contour, with verdant hues and organic textures. Nothing is forced. Nor are his contributions overtly embellished. Such subtlety and restraint allow the listener to disappear into the music, while being only peripherally aware of its constituent parts.