Tracklist:

• Summer Samba (So Nice) (Samba De Verao)
• It’s Easy To Say Good-Bye (E Fazil Dizer Adeus)
• Cried, Cried (Chorou, Chorou)
• Rain (Chuva)
• The Girl From Ipanema (Garota De Ipanema)
• Beloved Melancholy (Saudade Querida)
• Taste Of Sadness (Cheiro De Saudades)
• Beach Samba (Bossa Na Praia)
• Call Me
• Cry Out Your Sadness (Chora Tua Tristeza)3
• The Great Love (O Grande Amor)
• Song Of The Jet (Samba Do Aviao)

Notes:

Walter Wanderley’s 1966 album Rain Forest is a defining work in the realm of bossa nova and lounge music, showcasing his signature Hammond organ sound. Released under Verve Records and produced by Creed Taylor, the album was recorded at Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. Wanderley’s smooth, rhythmic approach to bossa nova creates a dreamy, atmospheric experience that transports listeners to a lush, tropical paradise. His ability to blend Brazilian influences with easy listening aesthetics made Rain Forest a standout release during the height of bossa nova’s popularity in the United States.

The album’s most famous track, Summer Samba (So Nice), became a crossover hit, reaching No. 26 on the U.S. Hot 100 chart. Its breezy melody and gentle percussion perfectly encapsulate the relaxed, sun-soaked vibe of the album. Other tracks, such as The Girl from Ipanema and Call Me, further highlight Wanderley’s ability to reinterpret well-known compositions with his distinct organ-driven style. The album’s concise song lengths contribute to its light, accessible feel, making it a staple of easy listening and exotica playlists.

Critics and audiences alike praised Rain Forest for its evocative soundscapes and Wanderley’s masterful musicianship. Billboard magazine noted in its 1966 review that the young Brazilian organist played superbly, predicting that *Summer Samba* would propel the album up the LP charts. Later reviews have remarked on the album’s ability to transport listeners back to the 1960s, when bossa nova was fresh and exciting in the U.S. While some critiques pointed out the brevity of the tracks limiting jazz improvisation, the album remains a beloved classic in the genre.

Decades after its release, Rain Forest continues to be celebrated for its timeless charm and influence on the exotica and lounge music scenes. Wanderley’s ability to craft immersive, tropical soundscapes has cemented his legacy as a pioneer of Brazilian organ music. Whether enjoyed poolside or as a nostalgic escape, the album remains a vibrant testament to the golden era of bossa nova.