Music For The Millions - 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 very helpful

Advantages: Features all of the greatest hits
Disadvantages: Won't fit in my CD rack!

...') will make you want to come back time and time again for more. This album brings out the best in Michael's voice, and displays his singing talent in a range of genuinely gorgeous songs. Tracks Include: CD1 Jesus To A Child Father Figure Careless Whisper Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me (with Elton John) You Have Been Loved Kissing A Fool I Can't Make You Love Me Heal The Pain A Moment With You Desafinado (with Astrud Gilberto) Cowboys and Angels Praying For Time One More Try A Different Corner CD2 Outside As (with Mary J. Blige) Fastlove Too Funky Freedom 90 Star People 97 Killer/Papa Was A Rollin' Stone I Want Your Sex (Part II) The Strangest Thing 97 Fantasy Spinning the Wheel Waiting For That Day I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me) (with Aretha Franklin) Faith Somebody To Love (with Queen)... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful