Getz / Gilberto

Artist: Stan Getz / João Gilberto featuring Antonio Carlos Jobim

Released: March 1964

Length: 33m 14s

My review:

Regarded by many as the album to put Bossa Nova on the global map, Getz/Gilberto was the collaborative effort of Stan Getz, João Gilberto and Antonio Carlos Jobim, featuring Astrud Gilberto singing on two tracks. As one of the best-selling Jazz records of all time and winner of 3 Grammy Awards, including Best Album of the Year, a first for a Jazz record as well as a non-American, it is obvious to hear how it gained its widespread interest and acclaim.

These three musicians, four on the tracks that feature Astrud, hold a perfect harmony together, neither one is too overpowering and there is no fighting for attention or trying to one-up each other. Instead you are gently invited to float through the songs as each politely wait for the right opening to demonstrate and exhibit their talents. Stan is an incredible saxophonist, his warm, lyrical tone commands and captivates, often employing a vibrato technique that soothes and softens the mood. João's friendly and inviting voice weaves in and out of the album wonderfully, singing in his native language of Portuguese. Antonio actually wrote a lot of the tracks for the album and his slight and tender playing of the piano lends an air of finesse that often gets overlooked. Astrud has a hushed almost whispered style, one that would lead the way for other female artists featured in future Bossa Nova releases. She also sings in English, contrary to João, but they compliment each other beautifully and this also allows a wider audience to access the emotive writing behind the songs.

All the tracks are similar in style and slot together delightfully, there is a sublime minimalism to the album, everything you hear is significant and considered. There isn't a wasted note or lyric throughout, it really is a testament to these musicians being right at the top of their games. Highlights for me include my stand out song as well as P'ra Machuchar Meu Coração (To Hurt My Heart) which was originally written by Barroso and re-interpreted and recorded by this trio, and O Grande Amor where you can really appreciate the emotion in Stan's playing of the tenor saxophone.

Stand out song: The Girl From Ipanema 

It may feel like an obvious choice but for me this song beautifully sums up the album, as João wonderfully states in the liner notes this was a "friendship communicated through music". Both Getz and Gilberto lacked a common language but had regular dinners and conversations together, through the help of their wives, and Stan invited Astrud (João's then wife) to record with them, after hearing her singing this song. The musical chemistry between them is tangible throughout the album but this song best represents the rapport and understanding that they collectively held for one another. For me this song is a perfect representation for the celebration of life and impassioned friendships, that only music can help conduct. It is also a stark reminder that music transcends borders, politics and languages, you can perceive, recognise and even empathise, all by simply taking a moment to open your ears.

On a rather sad side note, as with many creatives, Stan and João held intense but short lived relationships, both had multiple partners and children, and even their friendship was not to last. However I don't believe that this fact takes anything away from the time and affection they shared while creating this record together.

When to listen: 

For me this album is pure lazy, sunny Sunday vibes, let all your troubles float away with the sustained notes of the tenor saxophone, the soothing lyrics and the delicate accompaniment of the piano. Put this record on and recline into a dream-like state where time gets stretched and drawn-out as you are transported back to the sixties and to the golden era of Bossa Nova.

Spotify: Listen here

Vinyl:

There seem to be as many different pressings (360) as there are contrasting comments about their caliber and playback quality. I have the reissued, remastered 2020 pressing on 180g black vinyl as part of the Acoustic Sounds Series, and my copy is outstanding. The sound is super quiet but with an inviting warmth to it, when I close my eyes I feel the musicians are there in the room with me, it is probably one of the best sounding records I own. The cover is a much deeper red than the usual orange I have seen with other variants and the gatefold includes a photo from inside the recording studio and interesting notes from Stan, João and Gene Lees. It is a little expensive but I can totally recommend this version if you love this album and want to hear it in all its glory. - Discogs link

Other useful links:

As this album is of a certain age and all the musicians have since died, there are no real useful links to post, but if you enjoy the sound of Bossa Nova and want to carry on exploring the genre this Discogs link might be useful to you https://www.discogs.com/style/bossa%20nova

If you like this try these:

Stan Getz / Charlie Byrd - Jazz Samba

João Gilberto - João Gilberto

Ary Barroso - Encontro Com Ary