Jazz 'round Midnight - Astrud Gilberto

Advantages: Beautiful lullaby voice, subtle but effective jazz backing
Disadvantages: None, all the songs are classics

...Astrud Gilberto is, in my opinion, the best female Latin-American singer to ever grace the face of the earth. Her voice is completely relaxed, free and easy; it is as if she isn’t even trying! Just hearing her voice conjures up images of Rio, sandy beaches, and the carnival. Astrud Gilberto sings Bossa nova and Samba. She first came to prominence in the mid sixties, when she sung the famous ‘Girl From Ipanema’ with her husband of the time Joao Gilberto. She recorded several albums with Joao and also jazz saxophonist Stan Getz, which all had critical acclaim. Most of the albums were recorded under the infamous Verve jazz label. Which brings us to this album. The Astrud Gilberto Album is a collection of her recordings on the Verve label from the mid to late 60’s, when she was in the prime of her career... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Near perfect saxophony.
Disadvantages: Too smooth.

...this double CD is that there is a whole bunch of other incredibly talented musicians her such as: Astrud Gilberto (vocals), Chic Corea (piano), Joao Gilberto (acoustic guitar), Max Roach on drums, and a whole host of other folk, all listed on the CD sleeve. This review would end up as a major dissertation if I reviewed every track so I won't, I'll select what for me are the best to review: ~~~~~CD1~~~~~ The Girl From Ipanema: One of those 'hate it' or 'love it' tunes. A very silky male vocal in Spanish, then a second verse from a female vocalist (Gilberto?). Getz does not get to play till almost halfway through this track when he comes in with a very strong solo. He then spends the end of the track backing the vocal with an unusually high set of notes for him. Just class. Summertime: You would not believe how many saxophone versions of this song... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Some smooth playing.
Disadvantages: Bit too smooth.

.... Desafinado Track 5. In a Sentimental Mood Track 6. Girl From Ipanema - (featuring Bebel Gilberto) Track 7. Stranger on the Shore Track 8. Body and Soul Track 9. 'Round Midnight Track 10. Over the Rainbow Summertime: For me the fact that he gets George Benson to play guitar on this is in itself an endorsement. He plays it strong and slow. To me he plays the melody so perfectly well that the words are almost heard. He can also hold a note for a serious amount of time with pure clarity. Not as edgy as Albert Ayler playing this, and not as frantic as Charlie Parker but he does 'own it'. Very smooth and very nice. 8/10. The Look of love: This is actually far too smooth for me, feels like it should be played over Ally Mc Beal or something, pass the bucket. 3/10. What a Wonderful World: One of my favourites, both to listen to and to play. The fact... Read review

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