Search - Joao Gilberto :: Joao

Joao
Joao Gilberto
Joao
Genres: International Music, Jazz, Pop, Latin Music
 
  •  Track Listings (12) - Disc #1

In the 1950s, by harnessing the exuberant power of samba in gently plucked rhythms and his soft, intimate whispering of the lyrics, guitarist-singer-songwriter João Gilberto helped launch a musical revolution. While n...  more »

     
   
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CD Details

All Artists: Joao Gilberto
Title: Joao
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 1
Label: Polygram Records
Original Release Date: 7/23/1991
Release Date: 7/23/1991
Genres: International Music, Jazz, Pop, Latin Music
Styles: South & Central America, Brazil, Brazilian Jazz, Latin Jazz, Latin Pop
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 042284850728, 0042284850728, 042284850742

Synopsis

Amazon.com essential recording
In the 1950s, by harnessing the exuberant power of samba in gently plucked rhythms and his soft, intimate whispering of the lyrics, guitarist-singer-songwriter João Gilberto helped launch a musical revolution. While not its most important composer, Gilberto became bossa nova's premier interpreter. João, recorded in 1991, features him and his guitar backed by an orchestra (arranged by Clare Fischer) and shows a master in complete control of his craft and his powers. He navigates the lyrics with impeccable diction and uncanny phrasing, heightening the drama by seemingly staying half a breath behind the beat then landing precisely on a particular word, for emphasis. He makes even Italian ("Malaga"), English (Cole Porter's "You Do Something to Me"), and French ("Que Reste-t-il de Nos Amours") sound like natural bossa nova languages. Gilberto's seductive style is smooth, casual, and deceptively easy on the ear; but even in a set with no classics, as this one, each of its miniatures seems to hide a reward to a closer listening. --Fernando Gonzalez

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CD Reviews

The finest Gilberto ever!
11/04/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm brazilian and I grew listening to Gilberto's songs. But this CD is a masterpiece. Even one that's not used to his style of singing will be delighted as well as the familiar listener. The best track, in my opinion, is "Una Mujer""
BIG DISAPPOINTMENT
Susan B. Brown | Pico Rivera, CA | 10/03/2004
(1 out of 5 stars)

"What was Clare Fischer thinking when the strings were added separately without Joao being there? As a big fan of Bossa Nova and Joao's.... I was frustrated by listening to this CD. Did Clare Fischer even understand the quality of the music already recorded by Joao or that the listener would be struggling to hear more of just Joao without the "strings, etc.". There is a very definite beat to all Bossa Nova music which is being hidden by Clare Fischer's arrangements. Do yourself a favor and purchase another of Joao's CDs and skip this one unless you would rather hear strings interfering with the quality of the music already being played. I would like to recommend a better CD however I am still looking for one hence I will be returning this and purchasing another (without the interference of someone mucking up the artist's orginal vision.) If it were possible to give this NO stars... I would have!"
This is a great CD...a sleeper, really
douglasnegley | Pittsburgh, Pa. United States | 08/30/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)

"It should not suprise me that this CD is relatively uncovered by reviewers. In the best sense of the term, I would suggest that this is the definitive "Joao With Strings" recording of his later career. The recording of Joao's vocals and guitar are really well done, and Joao is singing perhaps as good as he ever has (has he ever not?). The real surprise here are the string arrangements done by Clare Fischer, who also handles the keyboard work. For the most part, the arrangements are complimentary and done much in the style of Jobim's early arranging work. Recorded in 1991, there are a few 'synth' tracks done by Fischer that work very well. One is a 'classical guitar' patch which serves as an intro, and it took a few seconds (and an audible 'attack' on the keyboard) before I realized that it was not Joao. My only regret about this CD is that the strings were added in L.A. after Joao had recorded his vocal and guitar in Rio. No, it isn't a sin and still works well, but truly working with an orchestra - the way Sinatra did - HAS to bring out the best of even the best. One of my favorite tracks is "Una Mujer", also."