Gabriel da Rosa is a Brazilian-born, LA-based singer-songwriter whose debut album — evoking João Gilberto and Caetano — was superb. "Cafuné" (sample_1) is top-shelf bossa nova that wouldn't feel out of place alongside the classics of Brazilian music legends, opening with a goosebump-inducing intro of gorgeous strings — realized in collaboration with LA string composer Oliver Hill — layered with lustrous guitar. It was written for the indie film All Happy Families; wondering just how romantic the movie must be, we watched the teaser, and it turned out to be a heartwarming comedy. The rapturous ballad "Sort Of" (sample_2) is wonderful too, with Gabriel singing gracefully in a tone almost like a seasoned female vocalist, his voice drenched in dreamlike echo. Highly recommended. (Original Japanese text by AYAM)