Joao Gilberto Music

I was only about 15 years old when my uncle came to San Francisco to visit from my native country of Brazil. He brought with him a copy of this album in 33-1/3 rpm vinyl format, which I still have (though scratchy from the years of play).

Upon first hearing João Gilberto's music, I became a fan, which I remain, 45 years later.

Being a Brazilian by birth, but having lived in the US since age 7, this album has remained one of the few ties I have had to my native land. Other relatives have given me albums by other Brazilian artists, but none have had the effect of reaching my spirit as has this one.

João's style is so calming and relaxing that one doesn't need to understand Portuguese in order to appreciate the beauty of his music. No true lover of jazz can say his collection is complete without at least one album by João Gilberto--after all, Bossa Nova is but a sub-genre of jazz and should never be confused with the travesty of the term as used by the Gormé's in their pop song "Blame it on the Bossa Nova," recorded in the '60's.

If one was to choose only one album by João Gilberto, this is the one to choose.

I am a lucky guy. São Paulo is one of the cities in Brazil where things happen. João recently announced that is the best place to perform. And I was there, in Tom Brasil (a music hall), absorbing ecstatic his chant, his guitar and his genius.

João had lived in Mexico for a while. The CD, recorded in 1970 (Brazil won its third soccer title in that year!), belongs to that phase. It will be very interesting and amazing for people who already know something about the greatest Brazilian musician. If you do not have any idea of how good João is, start buying Stan Getz/João, Eu sei que vou te amar, João, Voz e Violão, Montreux. There is the remarkable danger of being "lost", although I would never classificate this captivating album as a minor work.

Let me say something about the tracks. "Besame Mucho", one of the most famous boleros, receives a tender and sweet version. João told us in a recent concert that the composer, Consuelo Velasquez, was a little girl when she wrote it.

And so was Lúcio Alves, the auctor of "De conversa em conversa". A very touching story of a couple that is breaking off a marriage (even if you know Portuguese, don't think the lyric is melodramatic or simplistic) written in the 40's. Lúcio was 13. Haroldo Barbosa helped him copying out the verses.

"Ela é Carioca" was specially composed by Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes for a very bright Brazilian vocal quartet - Os Cariocas. One of the best songs (my personal opinion) of the famous pair who created "Garota de Ipanema", "Brigas nunca mais" and "Chega de Saudade".

If you are looking for a collection of Bossa Nova music sung by João, forget this album. There is much music in Spanish (remember that he was in Mexico and its culture is very rich) but I would be a very bad reviewer if not mention "Astronauta". Pingarilho and Marcos Vasconcellos, auctors of the song, showed it to Caetano Veloso, who politely refused it. Some years later, he had the opportunity to listen to it in the voice of his (and our) master João. One of the many lessons he gave and still gives to Brazilian music. And to the music of the whole world.

The recordings are from 1970 and Gilberto is in his prime. The subtlety and simple beauty of his style shine in these songs. The music is not over-produced; there aren't a lot of other sounds, other instruments to obscure the voice and guitar. For that reason this disc is highly recommended. Incidentally, 2 other releases are comprised of these same recordings:"Ela E Carioco" and "Besame Mucho".

This is not my favorite Joao CD, but certainly it is worth the listen. What grabbed me was the offhand remark by a previous reviewer who stated "hello Joao, goodbye Jobim". Geez, people, it isn't like an 'either/or' type of thing. Listen to Joao's solo (w/shaker) version of "Aguas de Marco" from the 1991 "Joao Gilberto" on Verve and then listen to Jobim with Elis Regina and their version from "Elis and Tom" from 1974. Sweet, luscious Apples and Oranges. Just dig it all and keep listening and discovering!

An excellent intimate CD that is happy and mellow. Many if not all original songs here, none of the same familiar Bossa Nova songs redone again. The recording is just as good as other much more expensive Bossa Nova CD's purchased in the past. The best song here (only in my humble opinion) is the last song which is a Brazilian version of Klang Klang Klang went "the trolley", very inventive and clever. The only reason I don't give this 5 stars is because I don't have all the other Joao CD's (yet). Goodbye Jobim hello Joao!