Now [DualDisc] - 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

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Advantages: composition, vocals
Disadvantages: none

...Anybody can recognize "The Girl From Ipanema", it's a classic. But where did it come from? Where did Bossa Nova spread its roots? Pianist Tom Jobim is credited for the composition of most of the classic Bossa Nova standards, but is was João Gilberto who took these standards, and interpreted on the guitar what we now identify as Bossa Nova. By harmonizing the chords on the guitar with the traditional Brazilian Samba rhythm, Gilberto evolved Jobims' compositions and popularized the style. Gilberto's guitar playing is virtuous, but what really captures me is his voice. He sings with a "blown" quality as if he is blowing air from his gut, which produces an intimate close-to-the-microphone sound. It's possible to hear his lips smacking dryly during the pronounciation of certain words, and he has an excellent vocal amplitude, using... Read review

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Advantages: rock chick anthems and soulful slow songs with meaningful depths
Disadvantages: track 14, Fingers is a bit coarse.

...you didn't buy the CD to hear him play. Nevertheless it's a really nice guitar track, and worthy to be a hidden track. A gorgeous duet. This certainly deserves something for the harmonic vocals. Overall, I'm Not Dead is a fantastic album and more than worthy of its five stars. Pink shows the world that she's still got it, whether it's with or without ex colleague Linda Perry. Pink is one of the most talented people on this earth, and I'm Not Dead should be recognized as the best CD of 2006. The dual disc on the other side is an exclusive bonus dvd with previews of her concerts, and interview from P!nk, the Stupid Girls video and out takes and bonus photos. This dual disc is definately something for P!nk fans! The cd can still be bought from Amazon for £9.96 with free p+p to uk customers. folow the link below to purchase... Read review

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