The music for the album consists of four songs by Brazilian composers and four original compositions by McFarland. The instrumentation chosen by McFarland eschews the traditional big band format of eight brass and five saxophones for a smaller ensemble featuring four woodwinds and French horn as well as three trumpets and two trombones. The four piece rhythm section is augmented by two percussionists. McFarland freely mixes his instrumental colors to provide a constantly shifting palette in support of Getz' tenor. Jim Hall, Hank Jones, Doc Severinsen and Bob Brookmeyer are each featured in short solos. Noted jazz critic Don DeMichael, writing in the December 6, 1962 issue of Down Beat magazine, awarded the album the top rating of five stars. DeMichael went on to say: "Getz' melodic gift was never more evident; even the way he plays "straight" melody is masterful. Few jazzmen have had this gift... and it has to do with singing by means of an instrument, for Getz doesn't just play a solo, he sings it, as can be heard on any of these tracks, most evidently on Triste and Saudade. About the writing DeMichael says: "McFarland shares in the artistic success of the album. His writing is peerless... he knows the proper combination of instruments to achieve certain sounds and he has the taste not to use all the instruments at hand all the time. His sparing use of the ensemble allows the beauty of the soloist and the material to shine through.