Sam Dillon's 2018 rendition of Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Triste" on Out in the Open brings a gentle bossa nova feel to this beloved Brazilian composition. Written by Jobim, the tune follows a 34-bar ABAB form in B-flat and is performed here at a flowing tempo of approximately 158 BPM. In an interesting reversal of the typical solo order, pianist Peter Zak opens the improvisational section with two lyrical choruses, setting a warm, melodic tone before Dillon enters with two choruses of tenor saxophone improvisation that blend the bossa nova idiom with a jazz sensibility. Jobim composed "Triste" as part of the rich body of work that brought Brazilian music to international audiences in the 1960s, and the tune's bittersweet melody and sophisticated harmony have made it a favorite among jazz musicians. Dillon's approach to the material demonstrates his versatility, adapting his robust tenor sound to the more intimate demands of the bossa nova style. The recording reflects the breadth of the Out in the Open program, which moves comfortably between American jazz standards, original compositions, and the Brazilian repertoire that has become an integral part of the modern jazz canon.
