Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal Vol. 94 - Feel the Breeze! Classic Brazilian Music Masterpieces Review! Japanese Musicians of Samba/Bossa Nova, Part V

Yoshitaka Minami: A Master of Brazilian & Latin Music - Vol. 3

I’ve been exploring classic samba and bossa nova albums and songs, examining their composers and performers—perfect for summer listening!
Continuing from the previous edition, this is the final chapter on Yoshitaka Minami, a musician who incorporates samba, bossa nova, and other Brazilian and Latin music into his work.

Collaborating with Top-Tier Musicians from Japan and Abroad!

Yoshitaka Minami, born in Tokyo in 1950, is a singer-songwriter and a maestro of J-Pop, having built an impressive career collaborating with various musicians and producing remarkable music.
Even in his 70s, his passion for music creation remains undiminished, and his exploration of new sounds continues. One of the key inspirations behind his music is Brazilian music.
Minami’s compositions often feature bossa nova-style harmonies, incorporating complex tension chords. His melodies, harmonized with these intricate chords, blend seamlessly with his unique voice, forming the distinct Minami sound.

Many top-tier musicians have participated in Minami’s recordings.
In his early career, he worked with members of the YMO circle, including Ryuichi Sakamoto, Haruomi Hosono, and Yukihiro Takahashi, as well as first-call Japanese musicians like Hiroshi Sato, Akira Okazawa, Shigeru Suzuki, Akira Inoue, and Kenji Omura.
Later on, he collaborated with musicians from the 3 Views scene, such as Shuichi “Ponta” Murakami, Masahiro Sayama, and Yoichi Murata.

His international collaborations are equally impressive. On Seventh Avenue South, he had Leon Pendarvis as an arranger and utilized the NYC music network. On Tokyo Monogatari, he worked with The Lounge Lizards, and on Another Tomorrow, he collaborated with LA-based musicians like David Garfield (keyboards) and Michael Landau (guitar).
Minami’s music requires exceptional technical skill, making it natural for first-call musicians to be involved. His fans, too, eagerly anticipate these high-caliber performances.

■ Recommended Album: Minami Yoshitaka - Ano Natsu... (2010)

This album is a collection of jazz fusion, AOR, and bossa nova classics, including Grover Washington Jr.’s “Just the Two of Us” and Marty Balin’s “Hearts”. The theme is ‘summer’—but not a bright, dazzling summer; rather, a languid and melancholic one. Minami’s distinctively mellow voice complements this atmosphere, creating an album rich in emotional depth.
While the album is an exquisite pop work, its solos are deeply rooted in jazz motifs, distinguishing it from ordinary pop records.

Recommended Song: “Última Batucada”

Originally made famous by Sérgio Mendes, “Última Batucada” was recently performed at a jazz festival in Japan.
‘Batucada’ refers to percussion-driven samba, while ‘última’ means ‘last’—suggesting ‘the final samba’. Is it a portrayal of the end of the feast overlapping with the fate of a romance?
The song’s melancholic scatting melody evokes the post-carnival silence of Rio de Janeiro, embodying the very essence of Brazilian music. The piano improvisation in the track is pure jazz, further showcasing Minami’s depth beyond just pop music.

Recommended Song: “In Summer”

This is a rendition of “Estate”, a song popularized by João Gilberto. Minami seems to have a strong affinity for this song, as he also recorded it on his album Bossa Alegre.
‘Estate’ means ‘summer’ in Portuguese, and its wistful melody captures the melancholy of both a fading romance and the end of summer. This is a masterpiece filled with a strong sense of ‘saudade’.

Recommended Song: “Batucada”

A classic by Marcos Valle, which leans more towards samba than bossa nova. The performance remains faithful to the original, delivering an enjoyable samba groove.

Recommended Song: “Blue Bossa”

The arrangement begins with an unexpected one-chorus guitar solo. Originally composed by Kenny Dorham and first released on Joe Henderson’s album Page One, this song is a staple in Latin jazz.
The chord progression from the melancholic Cm of the A-section to the soaring E♭m7/A♭7/D♭△7 in the chorus creates a floating sensation.
Minami’s rendition respects the original while adding his own touch, blending his voice perfectly with the song’s saudade.

■ Recommended Album: Minami Yoshitaka - Sketchbook (2013)

Minami went all the way to Brazil and this album was recorded in Rio de Janeiro.
The album features a collaboration with the Brazilian piano trio Fernando Merlino Trio.
Unlike his previous works, this album leans heavily toward bossa nova and jazz rather than pop. It includes self-covers of Minami’s hits like “Monroe Walk” and “Slow na Boogie ni Shite Kure”, as well as covers of classic songs such as 10cc’s “I’m Not in Love” and bossa nova staples like “Água de Beber” and “Berimbau”.
This album feels more like a jazz record disguised as pop.

Recommended Song: “Sketchbook of Love”

A song that epitomizes the idea of “jazz disguised as pop.” While structured as a pop song, its jazz-infused interpretation adds depth, a hallmark of Minami’s music.

Recommended Song: “Água de Beber”

A masterpiece by Antônio Carlos Jobim, popularized worldwide by Astrud Gilberto. Jazz musicians also adore this melody, making it a cornerstone of bossa nova.
The Fernando Merlino Trio executes this piece flawlessly, and when combined with Minami’s vocals, it vividly paints a picture of Rio de Janeiro.

Recommended Song: “Berimbau”

A classic by Baden Powell, beloved by jazz musicians and frequently performed in various settings.
Minami’s deep affinity for Brazilian music allows him to deliver a performance that surpasses expectations, a testament to his musical expertise developed over a long career.

Musicians, Albums, and Tracks Featured in This Article

• Artists: Minami Yoshitaka, Fernando Merlino
• Albums: Ano Natsu..., Sketchbook
• Recommended Tracks: “Última Batucada”, “Blue Bossa”, “Batucada”, “In Summer”, “Sketchbook of Love”, “Água de Beber”, “Berimbau”

⇨ List of Pianos/Synthesizers

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