Os Ipanemas are back, via England

The legendary bossa nova group Os Ipanemas are back with a new line-up that includes two remaining members from the early days: drummer Wilson das Neves and guitarist Neco (percussionaist Rubens Bassini and the arranger Astor Silva have passed away). Along with musicians like Jorge Helder (bass) and Mamão (from the band Azimuth, on drums), they have made an album that is going to be released on the British label Far Out Recordings by mid-2001. The repertoire will feature new songs like Icaraí, A Saudade é Que me Consola and Birinaite. Os Ipanemas were turned famous among English fans of sophisticated grooves due to the release of their 1964 homonym LP on CD by the local label Mr.Bongo. That album features songs like Kenya, Nanã and Berimbau and is coming out in Brazil on the series Sony Columbia Raridades, assembled by the Titãs drummer Charles Gavin.