although most jazz listeners focus on the singer of the song, there is a whole group of listeners who are more intrigued with the instruments, especially the guitar - anyone interested in brazilian jazz from this vantage point should familiarize themselves with the 'top ten guitar' songs, from 'so danco samba' to 'influência do jazz' it's a great guide to some famous and not so famous brazilian jazz standards.

in rio de janeiro, the genre is no less popular now than in its early days, with various theaters and clubs dedicated to celebrating jazz and its pleasing brazilian variation - one of these spots is esch café in rio's chic leblon neighborhood, a trendy restaurant/café that always offers up a jazzy sound, and makes for a great hidden romantic treat for a special someone.