João Donato

João Donato-Tim, Dom, Dom
from Muito à Vontade (Dubas, 1962)

João Donato-Malandro
from Bad Donato (Dubas, Universal, 1970)



I've always had a respect for Mr. Donato as a musician and a composer, but only recently have I grasped how deep this dude is. While the man is responsible for the invention and re-invention of Bossa Nova, he can't be put in any one musical box(so to speak). This is difficult to achieve as a musician (especially one that has created a dated musical style). I've come to understand his secret simply as this; versatility. Re-invention is crucial to any innovative creative process. Donato has invented and re-invented himself countless times and this is why he is consistently a presence in the global music scene. Don't believe me? Will I Am of the Black Eyed Peas just did a version of Donato's "O Sapo" on the Sergio Mendes collaboration, Timeless. Gotta give it up to a dude that stays fresh. Enjoy these two tracks off of two of his earlier albums. If you like what you hear and happen to be in New York City this Friday (4/6/07), check out here. And for a more in-depth look at Donato, grab Wax Poetics #22.


P.S. Just a note. This isn't an official blog of Wax Poetics Magazine, I just happen to work for them and just happen to love what I live and live what I love.