Astrud Gilberto Music

I just got this album in the mail and after loving her music for the last 12 years, I wasn't sure what to expect from the 21st century Astrud.
I'm thrilled to say that this a great album, with almost all of the songs written by Astrud herself.
I especially like "Red Umbrella", a smooth, cool, finger-snappin' jazzy number, but her surprising version of "The Look of Love" absolutely rips you out of your chair and makes you want to dance. It has an awesome, irresistible beat that contrasts nicely with her sweet and simple voice.
If you are even a casual fan of Astrud's, you will like this album. I can't wait to listen to it again...

This is an album for a sunny warm afternoon, a hot summer evening, or a rainy day when dreams are needed. Gilberto's voice is smooth as silk, and the songs on this CD are gentle and relaxing, while at the same time hot & exciting. It is like a trip to the beaches of Brasil. Ahhhh, Brasil!

If you already have Astrud's older recordings and you crave new material from this artist then "Jungle" has a lot to offer. This CD is clearly a product of Astrud's Brazilian roots, chocked full of original South American themes that take the listener in lots of different directions. If you long to hear new selections performed in Astrud's style of the sixties then take a listen to "Como Fue" delivered with confidence in Astrud's very fine signature style. It's followed by a wonderful track called "Red Umbrella" with real cute lyrics that may well prove to be my favorite. Want an escape? Try on a soft piece called "Ocean Dreams" or if you are feeling adventurous there is a track of Brazilian rap to try on for size called "Rebola, bola." I've never heard anything quite like it before but if you give it a chance it might grow to fit you. Lots of diversity here!

Astrud must have had a lot of fun making these recordings. They aren't at all formal. Each track comes across as just a friendly collaborative jam session kind of thing. You may not identify with every single track but if you go exploring in "Jungle" I think you'll likely come away with some real treasures.

I have a number of tracks from my CD collection on my PC at work and tracks from this one are the ones I play the most. After so many times of listening Joan's phrasing and tone still has the capacity to surprise. Can't wait for the next CD. I intend to visit New York next year and so far the only fixed point on my itinerary is Cafe Mae on a Friday. My only complaint is not about the CD but the fact that Joan has not come and sung to us in the UK!

What a wonderful voice this artist has, as all God's children do! I pray for those who can only speak criticism, but not sing the praises of the Lord and the Lord's children. Although this artist is not singing church hymns, she fills every jazz song with soul, joy and love. Her singing reminds me of Ella Fitzgerald, a woman who also endured much hate based on how she looked and the ideals she stood for. I pity those of you who cannot appreciate the voice of a child of God. I'll pray for you.

I can't believe this album's sales rating is only 172,060!! It's so unbelievably good it ought to at least be in the top 100,000...especially with such a high customer review rating and the haunting vocal similarity to such stars as Ella
Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and even Barbra Streisand (in her more recent albums). If I could give it six stars, I would, but since I can't give it the rating it deserves I'll give it a 1, because it will always be Number 1 in my heart. I only hope word-of-mouth will be sufficient to bring this incredible album into the homes of the untold masses who haven't yet discovered the wonder that is Joan Bender.

I just got Joan Bender's CD "Star Eyes" and I'm very excited
about this new star on the jazz scene.

Her voice is so upbeat and clear and also at times so sultry
and soulful. She has the best of both emotions in her range.

The samba rendition of "So Nice" and the bossa nova "My Little Boat"(O Barquinho) are refreshing and innovative.

In the haunting "Laura" and the oh-so romantic "Time After Time"
I was taken to another place entirely.

The rest of the album is very enjoyable, but I won't describe it. Surprise yourself.
-Tom Krajewski

Listen to Joan Bender's phrasing-a soul level comfort with the substance of jazz. I highly recommend this CD.

If you like Nancy Wilson, Opie Bellas and Pink Martini; then Astrud is for you. My Brazillian friends introduced me to this artist. her voice is like melted butter. Highly recommended!

I'll be honest, I heard The Girl From Ipanema on a TV commercial and had to know who that was. I mostly enjoy jazz or classical along with other music styles, but when I put this in the CD player, and heard The Girl From Ipanema I fell in love with this woman. I was scared from that point on that the rest of the album would be a waste of my dollars, but after listening to the album several times through, I can say this was the best cd I've picked up in a long time. I got home from a stressful day at work, put this on, and just sat there listening to the music for hours. It was the most peacful time I have had in months. I must have more! This album is GREAT!

The first three songs on this collection are very pleasant, each one better than the last, then I came to "Only trust your heart". I'm still on that, and after about ten listens I don't know who to admire more: Benny Carter who composed this lovely bossa (found that out from google; he wasn't credited here), Sammy Cahn for the lyrics "just wait for a night/when the stars are all bare/then see if you care", or Gilberto, whose sad, spare voice floats over the piece like a cool breeze in late summer. Not to mention Gary Burton's tasteful work on vibes or Stan Getz on tenor (who, truth be told, sounds like he may have spent a bit too much time in the sun). Just a perfect match between singer and song.

My all time fav. Bossa Nova songs would be "Girl From Ipanema", "Fly Me To The Moon" and "Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars". This Album contains all of them and other good Astrud Gilberto's works. I you like Bossa Nova and have not got this CD, you don't know what you are missing.

I'll be honest, I heard The Girl From Ipanema on a TV commercial and had to know who that was. I mostly enjoy jazz or classical along with other music styles, but when I put this in the CD player, and heard The Girl From Ipanema I fell in love with this woman. I was scared from that point on that the rest of the album would be a waste of my dollars, but after listening to the album several times through, I can say this was the best cd I've picked up in a long time. I got home from a stressful day at work, put this on, and just sat there listening to the music for hours. It was the most peacful time I have had in months. I must have more! This album is GREAT!