Suave South American sounds take over MOJO Jan. 27

While jazz was at a popular and artistic zenith in the mid-20th century, the quintessentially American art form received an unexpected boost from the Southern Hemisphere. Perfect for something already a musical amalgamation.

An elegant, sultry and hypnotic folk sound from Rio de Janeiro deemed “bossa nova” – Portuguese for “new wave” – was a syncopated mixture of samba and jazz. By the mid-1960s, the genre was firmly part of the jazz canon with songs such as Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Girl from Ipanema,” “Felicidade” and “Wave” becoming standards.

The Mystic Order of the Jazz Obsessed give a midwinter nod to sounds once described as the musical interpretation of “swaying bikinis and cold martinis.” Performances will be provided by guitarist Phil Procter, bassist Joseph “JoJo” Morris Jr., keyboardist Sean Worrell, saxophonist Larry Carter and percussionist Jimmy Roebuck.

Entrance is $12, $8 for MOJO members with student and military rates available. Fee includes a light jambalaya dinner. A cash bar is available.

For more info, call 251-459-2298, email [email protected] or go to mojojazz.org.

Bossa Nova Night
Where: Gulf City Lodge (601 State St.)
When: Jan. 27, 6:30 p.m.