NIGEL HUNTER 1963 goes into the annals as the year of bossa nova on record. The tidal wave of issues from across the Atlantic, which started last year, flowed continuously after Christmas, and is still not completely spent. Separating the more authentic wheat from the commercial chaff, pride of place must go to "Jazz Samba" by Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd (Verve mono VLP90I3: stereo SVLP9013),. The tenor-saxophone of Mr. Getz and the guitar of Mr. Byrd, supported by another guitar, a bass and two drummers, achieved a splendid selection of tasteful, imaginative improvisations on Brazilian themes superimposed upon rhythm rich in convincing lilt and buoyancy which has still to be surpassed. "Bossa

Nova Brazil" (Parlophone mono PMC 1200) presented excellent and contrasting Brazilian examples of the style by Brazilian artists of the calibre of Joao Gilberto and Luiz Bonfh, and provided a useful yardstick by which to judge the output recorded outside Brazil. Quincy Jones in "Big Band Bossa Nova" (Mercury mono MMC 14125: stereo CMSI8080) and Pat Thomas in "Desafinado" (MGM mono C922) managed to strike the happiest of mediums between authenticity and commercial considerations. Mr. Jones attained an unprecedented high standard with his dynamic and typically individual arrangements played by musicians of supreme ability and discernment. Miss Thomas has a voice of impressive charm, and sang some definitive English versions of Brazilian bossa nova with impeccable -taste, excellently supported by an orchestra directed by Lalo Schifrmn, who has given yeoman service in the idiom's cause on record. Outside the bossa nova field, Los Zafiros reappeared in "Los Zafiros Ole" (Golden Guinea mono GGLO 192: stereo GSGL 10192), capturing practically all the potent warmth and artistry of the original trio of this name, and Los Amigos del Amambay were captivating with their "Carnavalito" album of folk-music (Polydor mono LPHM46351: stereo SLPHM237551), allying the vertical quena flute with the familiar guitars and harp.