Joao Gilberto is perhaps forever destined to be lesser known to casual jazz fans than his occasional collaborator Stan Getz (whose GETZ/GILBERTO albums introduced the United States to bossa nova) and his ex-wife Astrud Gilberto (whose shy, delicate voice made her one of the most distinctive and beloved jazz vocalists of the '60s). However, true fans of Brazilian music recognize that Gilberto is second only to Antonio Carlos Jobim as a writer and interpreter of traditional Brazilian music and Brazilian-influenced jazz.
These two albums, collected in full on one CD, are among Gilberto's best solo albums. Alternating between standards like "'S Wonderful" or "Besame Mucho" and Brazilian tunes like Jobim's "Wave" and the original "Triste," AMOROSO is a fine, romantic jazz album. BRASIL, as the title suggests, consists of six traditional-style sambas, sung in Portuguese to acoustic guitars and hypnotic percussion. Both are essential to Gilberto fans and neophytes.
AMOROSO was released in 1977.
BRASIL was released in 1981.
BRASIL personnel: Joao Gilberto (vocals, guitar); Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, Maria Bethania (vocals); Clare Fisher (keyboards); Milcho Leviev, Michael Boddicker (synthesizer); Jim Hughart (bass); Joe Correro (drums); Paulhinho Da Costa (percussion).
Producer: Joao Gilberto.
Personnel: Joao Gilberto (vocals, guitar); Gerald Vinci, John Wittenberg, Joe Goodman, Bobby Dubow, Jerry Reisler, Robert Lipsett, Isabelle Daskoff, Israel Baker, Bonnie Douglas, Nathan Ross, Paul Shure, Bluestone (violin); David Schwartz, Helain Wittenberg, Marilyn Baker (viola); Anne Goodman (cello); Eddie Cainf, Glenn Garrett, Bud Shank (flute); Claire Fisher, Ralph Grierson (keyboards); Michael Boddicker, Milcho Leviev (synthesizer); Grady Tate, Joe Correro (drums); Paulinho Da Costa (percussion).
Audio Mixer: Al Schmitt.
Liner Note Author: Nelson Motta.
Recording information: Britannia, Los Angeles, CA (11/17/1976-01/07/1977); Capitol Records, Hollywood, CA (11/17/1976-01/07/1977); Rosebud Studios, NY, NY (11/17/1976-01/07/1977); Sigla, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil (11/17/1976-01/07/1977); Sounds Good (11/17/1976-01/07/1977).
Unknown Contributor Role: Stella Castellucci.
Arrangers: Claus Ogerman; Johnny Mandel.
AMOROSO personnel: Joao Gilberto (vocals, guitar); Ralph Grierson, Clare Fisher (keyboards); Milcho Leviev, Michael Boddicker (synthesizer); Jim Hughart (bass); Grady Tate, Joe Correro (drums).
Brasilian Genius Splendid beyond imagining,to hear the gentle beat of Joao's guitar as the lusheous, voluminous waves of strings wash back and forth across the universe full of the love of eternal generations,is to feel refreshed and be reborn........ Submitted by cbuckles57 (Denver, Colorado) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
One of the best Bossa Nova recordings ever. This recording represents Joan Gilbert at his peak. The collaboration with Claus Ogermann truly enhanced the beauty of his poet-like singing style. Must for all Brasilian music lovers. Submitted by knagao (Albertson, NY) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Stars I wrote the review before this one and failed to give him the rate he deserves: FIVE STARS! More, if they were available. Submitted by criscoi499 (Salt Lake City, UTAH) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Seeking discographical info Was just listeing to a Joao Gilberto sampler on the Rhapsody online music service, and his version of "All Of Me" ("Disse Alguem") really captured my attention. Who was that playing the wind synthesizer solo? In 1977, that would have predated the Yamaha and Akai wind synths--maybe it was a Lyricon? Anyway, off I go to Google to research--if someone knows, please post and/or send me a note at r hacquer at yahoo dot com. (Remove all the spaces, etc.) TIA! Submitted by Reg Hacquer (Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Unique Groove This record has some very special moments that do reflect Joao Gilberto's unique groove -- as a player and singer. It's great stuff. All the other singers on the record basically interpret Joao's singular swin. As a tribute, I would say. Submitted by Marcello Povoa (Rio de Janeiro) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Brasilian Genius
Seeking discographical info
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