CD:
New Release: Gift of Heart (Christmas in Rio)

Gift of Heart (Christmas in Rio) is a festive, soulful piece that captures the spirit of Christmas with a samba twist.

GIFT OF HEART (CHRISTMAS IN RIO)

Bossa Nova Noites
“Gift of Heart (Christmas in Rio)”


Featured Performers: Curtis King Jr. & Najee
Produced by: Robert Hébert

THE STORY

“Gift of Heart (Christmas in Rio)” is a festive, soulful piece that captures the spirit of Christmas with a samba twist — a warm, joyful celebration where Chicago Soul and Brazilian Soul meet. The track was one of BNN’s major pandemic-era creations, and the one that first set the project in motion — with an initial release at the end of 2021. Its mission was ambitious: to channel Donny Hathaway through the prism of black Chicago meets black Rio.
 
Producer Robert Hébert explains: 
Of course, at the forefront is Curtis King Jr., whose vocal performance is extraordinary — soulful, virtuosic, and drawing from Donny Hathaway, Take 6, and Philip Bailey, yet entirely his own. His voice gives the track its emotional center. And, the great Najee … playing a formal horn arrangement by the legendary Chicago arranger Willie Henderson, known for his historic work at Chicago’s Brunswick Records in the 1970s, including the classic “Oh Girl." Najee performs Henderson’s brass arrangement with remarkable sensitivity, elevating the track with Diogo Gomes on flugelhorn adding a warm, lyrical complement.

Special Note: Henderson played on the iconic Donny Hathaway recording of “This Christmas” — crafted in 1970 Chicago in the Jerry Butler Songwriter’s Workshop … creating a poetic, 50+ year connection to BNN’s new holiday piece. 

English title "Gift of Heart (Christmas in Rio)"