Search - Astrud Gilberto :: Compact Jazz

From A Miscue On Vocals Lead To An Easy-Listening Beauty

Michael Daly | Wakefield, MA USA | 05/06/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Astrud Gilberto was not supposed to sing. But when Stan Getz wanted some English vocals on his 1963 number The Girl From Ipanema, he asked Joao Gilberto's translator and then-wife Astrud to contribute. Despite objections, Getz stuck to his guns and Astrud laid down vocals with shy charm. They made the resulting song a classic. Girl was a huge crossover hit, winning Astrud a Grammy and launching a singing career that continues today.Polygram's Compact Jazz series includes Astrud singing sixteen numbers. GFI leads off, but also deserving of high praise are such numbers as Aqua De Beber (Water To Drink), Goodbye Sadness (Tristeza), and so forth. Tristeza features engaging organ by Walter Wanderly, but both he and Astrud outdo themselves on Summer Samba (So Nice). O Morro (Nao Tem Vez) shines with a neat horn solo in the open, while Corcovado "reuites" Astrud with Joao Gilberto. On the album goes through the frequently-covered Jobim classic How Insensitive. It all displays the shy charm that made Astrud such a joy to listen to."

CELESTIAL VOICE

Papetti | Mexico City | 06/21/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Her phrasing, her swing, her angel-soft voice, in portuguese; The hues of her tone of voice paint the most wonderful colors in the canvas of music and beyond. Only Elis Regina and perhaps one or two more Brazilian singers have gotten up there where she is and where she takes us everytime she sings. If you like bossa nova, jazz, or brazilian music in general, this is a must have and your just one click away."

One of my favorite albums.

N. Warner | Huntington, WV | 02/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Most people know Astrud Gilberto from her collaboration with Stan Getz that launched her career. "The Girl From Impanema" is included here, but is by no means the best song on the CD. This is one of those CDs that it would be hard to name the best song, as almost every one is a candidate. Among the compilation CDs that I have seen for her, I feel that this is the best sampling of her work.



For those of you not familiar with anything other than "The Girl from Impanema", do yourself a favor and buy this CD. It is perfect for informal dinner parties, or just to soothe your mind after a hard day at work. You will become enchanted with her and wonder why you have never heard any of her other songs. Also, I defy anyone to be in a bad mood after making it even halfway through this disk. This is one of my favorite CDs and I'm sure it will become one of yours as well."