Tune Tuesday: Wave

 

Tune Tuesday: Wave – A Brazilian Jazz Classic by Antonio Carlos Jobim

Good morning and welcome to another Tune Tuesday! Today, we’re diving into a masterpiece of Brazilian jazz—Wave by the legendary Antonio Carlos Jobim. Written in 1967, Wave stands as one of Jobim's most iconic compositions, blending the soothing rhythms of bossa nova with a touch of jazz sophistication. This tune has earned its place as a cornerstone of Latin jazz and continues to inspire musicians around the world.

The Birth of Wave

Wave was crafted by Jobim for his 1967 album of the same name, an album that helped solidify his reputation as the "grandfather of bossa nova." Jobim was a pioneer in blending Brazilian rhythms with jazz, and Wave is no exception. It encapsulates the smooth, flowing nature of the ocean—something that can be felt in both the melody and the rhythm of the piece.

Interestingly, the song’s lyrics weren’t written by Jobim himself initially. In a rare turn of events, Jobim penned the music first, and the lyrics came later that same year—something not often seen in the world of songwriting. Jobim’s collaboration with lyricist Paul Simon resulted in the beautiful English version that would go on to be recorded by Frank Sinatra and Johnny Mathis in 1970, just a few months after the original Brazilian release. Sinatra’s take on Wave is particularly noteworthy, as it helped introduce the song to an even broader audience.

Global Recognition and Covers

Since its release, Wave has been embraced by artists around the world. It’s one of those tunes that feels at home in nearly every genre—from jazz to bossa nova to pop. In fact, Wave was so beloved in Brazil that Rolling Stone Brazil ranked it as the 73rd most popular and greatest Brazilian song of all time. It’s a testament to the power of Jobim’s music that a simple wave of rhythm and melody could leave such a lasting impression.

Some of the most notable renditions include those by João Gilberto, who worked closely with Jobim throughout his career, and other jazz legends like Oscar Peterson and Paul Desmond. Every artist who covers Wave brings their own flavor to the piece, making it an evergreen classic that evolves over time while remaining rooted in its bossa nova origins.

My Take on Wave

Today, I’m playing Wave with my trusty dive watch (also known as the Marlin), and a gold tweed tie. The song’s smooth, flowing rhythm provides the perfect backdrop for some improvisation and exploration on the guitar. I always enjoy playing this one because of the way it combines technical beauty with the laid-back spirit of bossa nova.

If you’ve been enjoying these Tune Tuesday performances, don’t forget to give it a thumbs up if you like what you hear. And if you want to stay in the loop, hit that subscribe button and ring the bell to be notified when new videos drop. Your support means the world!

So, without further ado, let’s dive into Wave—a tune that captures the beauty of the ocean, the soul of Brazil, and the brilliance of Jobim’s genius. CLICK HERE

JS
 jonshields.org
 guitarbook.org


*note - part or all of this article may have been written with AI.

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