Ithamara Koorax is a Brazilian singer who has recorded everything from jazz standards to fusion romps. Bim Bom is a particularly inspired project for it is accurately subtitled “The Complete Joao Gilberto Songbook.” Gilberto is renowned as a highly influential bossa nova singer and guitarist, but he has written relatively few songs in his life. In fact, they number just 11 including two (“Bim Bom” and “Ho-Ba-La-La”) that he recorded in 1959 for what is considered the first-ever bossa nova album.

Ms. Koorax displays a beautiful voice on her CD, accompanied only by the brilliant guitarist Juarez Moreira. Other than “Bim Bom,” most of the other tunes are relatively unfamiliar but they generally have beautiful melodies and are perfect outlets for Ithamara Koorax's voice.

Her singing is in spots reminiscent of Gilberto, she sounds comfortable holding on to notes and leaving space, and she always has a strong jazz feeling. Moreira, who is featured on the instrumental “An Embrace To Bonfa,” seems able to anticipate her every move and listeners will never miss the bass or drums. The duo does justice to this music during this winning effort, which is highly recommended and available from www.motema.com.