Soft Samba


Soft Samba is a 1964 album by jazz arranger and vibraphonist Gary McFarland. A follow up album, Soft Samba Strings, was released in 1966.

Reception

The initial Billboard magazine review from February 20, 1965 wrote that even though "A pair of stretch socks, two ounces of sherry, and a "Soft Samba" cocktail recipe" were being used to promote the album, it would "curry favor with the public without the promotion incentives" and "The artist's humming helps too".
Boys' Life magazine wrote that "You'd think that the artists in this album couldn't talk because all you hear is "Ba-ba, baya-baya, byu-byu" and so on with little relief. The results are unique but pleasing...We found the wedding of the soft samba to rock 'n' roll a joyous union thanks to the musical ministry of Mr. McFarland".

Track listing

  1. "Ringo, Won't You Marry Me" – 1:46
  2. "From Russia with Love" – 2:34
  3. "She Loves You" – 2:16
  4. "A Hard Day's Night" – 3:04
  5. "The Good Life" – 2:05
  6. "More " – 2:18
  7. "And I Love Her" – 3:55
  8. "The Love Goddess" – 1:57
  9. "I Want to Hold Your Hand" – 3:13
  10. "Emily" – 1:51
  11. "California, Here I Come" – 1:52
  12. "La Vie en Rose" – 2:06

    Personnel

;Production