Nouvelle, previously known as Nouvelle Cuisine, formed in 1987 with a focus on acoustic jazz interpretations of American standards. Its debut recording, Nouvelle Cuisine, appeared in 1988 and spotlighted emerging vocalist Carlos Fernando, whose phrasing reflected the style of Mel Tormé. The 1991 release Slow Food marked a decisive shift, centering Brazilian material that included “Luzes,” composed expressly for the ensemble by Caetano Veloso, and featured guest Gal Costa. After Flávio Mancini’s departure in 1995, the remaining members sustained their engagement with Brazilian repertoire on the subsequent album Novelhonovo. Once Carlos Fernando left to pursue a solo path, the group adopted the name Nouvelle and issued its fourth album, Free Bossa, in 2000, presenting readings of Duke Ellington’s “Come Sunday,” Django Rheinhardt and Stephane Grapelli’s “Tears,” Dorival Caymmi’s “Quem Vem Pra Beira Do Mar,” Edu Lobo and Torquato Neto’s “Pra Dizer Adeus,” the Bahian folk piece “Sereia,” alongside original compositions.
