Brazil's affair with jazz delivered both a singular musical style with bossa nova and one of the greatest songwriters of all time, Antonio Carlos Jobim. Jobim's compositions are among the most well known and most frequently performed in the world. Pianist Fred Hersch has had an affinity for Jobim's music since being introduced to the well-known guitar renditions by Joao Gilberto. On FRED HERSCH PLAYS JOBIM, Hersch (who is quite an influential stylist and composer himself) focuses his attention on these wonderful compositions, performing them on solo piano. Hersch's appreciation for Jobim's unique craftsmanship is obvious as he explores the possibilities presented by the beautiful themes and harmonies wrought into every piece. FRED HERSCH PLAYS JOBIM finds a master musician taking on the compositions of a master songwriter and successfully communicating this well known music in a new way.