Bebel Gilberto's 2024 Record Store Day Vinyl Release of 2014's Tudo Highlights Progression of Música Popular Brasileira.
In 1958, the world was introduced to bossa nova through the soul-stirring strains of "Chega de Saudade" ("No More Blues"), sung by the enchanting Brazilian vocalist Elizeth Cardoso on her seminal album Canção do Amor Demais. Crafted by a genius collaboration of Antonio Carlos Jobim and Joāo Gilberto (with lyrics by Vinícius de Moraes), this song garnered both acclaim and debate for its groundbreaking rhythmic and harmonic innovations, diverging from the conventional samba norms. Merely months later, Joao Gilberto (1931-2019) etched his name in music history with the release of his inaugural single, "Chega de Saudade”/"Bim-Bom." The song serves as the trunk of the evolutionary tree of the bossa nova genre. The single paved the way for Gilberto’s debut album, Chega de Saudade in 1959, and heralded the dawn of a musical revolution. Joāo’s wife, vocalist Astrud Gilberto, first showcased her interpretations on the Antonio Carlos Jobim penned “The Girl From Ipanema,” and continued to create and perform for nearly forty years after her commercial debut. Combined with later work by Joāo’s daughter (with Brazilian singer Miúcha) Bebel, these artists provide sixty-five years of audio documentation exhibiting the progression of this form of música popular brasileira. Here are 7 Essential Record Albums capturing the evolution of the bossa nova sound via “Gilberto.”
Joao Gilberto - Chega de Saudade, 1959
The album that started it all! Chega de Saudade is the debut album of Joao Gilberto and is considered the first true bossa nova album. Recorded and released in 1959 (April) on the Odeon Records label in Brazil, this groundbreaking album features 12 tracks, showcasing Gilberto's unparalleled talent. With two compositions by Gilberto himself and three tracks by the renowned Antonio Carlos Jobim, Chega de Saudade introduces a fusion of Samba rhythm with innovative instrumentation and jazz influences. Despite initial skepticism from traditional Samba aficionados, the allure of bossa nova captivated audiences, birthing a distinctive sub-genre that continues to captivate listeners worldwide
Joāo Gilberto - The Boss of The Bossa Nova, 1961 (1963 US)
Joao Gilberto can be credited with introducing a new era of music to American audiences. Originally released in 1961 on the Odeon label in Brazil, João Gilberto's self-titled album captivated listeners with its enchanting melodies and innovative rhythms. In 1963, the album was re-released in the U.S. under the title The Boss of Bossa Nova by Atlantic Records and became a major influence on numerous American artists. Collaborating again with acclaimed arranger and composer Antonio Carlos Jobim, Gilberto crafted a musical journey that transcended boundaries, earning praise from critics and audiences alike. Billboard writer Jack Maher lauded the album upon its release for its revolutionary rhythm, intricate musical structure, and thought-provoking lyrical themes, highlighting the profound impact that bossa nova was about to have on the world stage.
Stan Getz & Joāo Gilberto - Getz / Gilberto (featuring Antonio Carlos Jobim), 1964
This groundbreaking Verve records release Getz/Gilberto solidified bossa nova in the United States becoming a hallmark of influence for generations of artists to come. The album fussed the Jazz mastery between American saxophonist Stan Getz and the Brazilian allure of composer Antonio Carlos Jobim and guitarist Joao Gilberto. Getz/Gilberto not only revolutionized musical genres but also catapulted Joao Gilberto's wife, Astrud Gilberto, into stardom with her enchanting rendition of Jobim's masterpiece, "The Girl from Ipanema." This enduring classic soared to the top of the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart in 1965, solidifying its place in the annals of music history. The recording features Getz on sax, Gilberto on guitar, Jobim on piano, and a great performance by Milton Banana on drums. Honored with three Grammy Awards and at the first Jazz album to win the prestigious Album of the Year title, Getz/Gilberto remains a timeless testament to the boundless creativity and innovation of popular music.
“America’s Topp Jazz Tenor
Joins Brazil’s Great Young
Singer In The Most Exciting
Album of The Year.”
- Getz/Gilberto liner notes, 1964
Astrud Gilberto with The New Stan Getz Quartet - Getz Au Go Go (Live), 1964
Following their collaboration on the iconic Getz/Gilberto album in 1963, Astrud & Joao Gilberto separated, with Astrud immigrating from Brazil to the United States. Seeking exposure and stability, Astrud embarked on a transformative U.S. tour alongside Stan Getz, a journey marked by a passionate affair that unfolded amidst the music. One of the results of this relationship was the live album Getz Au Go Go, a timeless recording capturing the magic of performances at New York City’s Cafe Au Go Go on May 22, 1964, and snippets from a memorable Carnegie Hall show on October 9 (later released as Getz/Gilberto #2).
While Getz Au Go Go delves deeper into the jazz stylings of Stan Getz, it also serves as a remarkable introduction to Gilberto's enchanting presence for American audiences. Released in December 1964 on Verve records, this album stands as Gilberto’s sole live vinyl recording (with a 1964 New York City performance alongside Joao & Stan available on CD). Featuring 12 tracks, including six soulful renditions by Gilberto, the album showcases a rich repertoire. Notably, it boasts two compositions by Gary Burton, vibraphonist of the esteemed Getz Quartet.
Astrud Gilberto - The Astrud Gilberto Album, 1965
Following her captivating rendition of "The Girl From Ipanema" on the iconic Getz/Gilberto collaboration, Astrud ventured into her own musical journey upon her move to America. Her solo debut, The Astrud Gilberto Album on Verve records, showcases the ethereal vocals of Astrud, accompanied by the legendary Antonio Carlos Jobim, whose enchanting melodies grace the album alongside his impeccable guitar skills.
Crafted with soulful melodies and poetic lyrics, the album is a testament to Jobim's genius, with all but one track penned by the maestro himself. Recorded at the renowned RCA Studios in Hollywood, California, following the culmination of Gilberto's tour with Stan Getz in January 1965, this timeless gem soared to number 41 on the Billboard 200 charts, solidifying Astrud's position as a trailblazing independent female artist in the United States. The Astrud Gilberto Album, is an essential addition to any music aficionado's collection, capturing the essence of bossa nova's golden era with its seamless blend of sophistication and allure.
Stan Getz & Joāo Gilberto - Getz / Gilberto #2 (Live @ Carnegie Hall), 1966
The 1966 Verve record label LP release featuring “The Stan Getz Side” and “The Joao Gilberto Side” captures songs taken from a live performance October 9, 1964 at New York City’s Carnegie Hall. The sold out performance captures two inseparable icons at the pinnacle of their U.S. acclaim. Interestingly, Astrud Gilberto also performed at this concert, however, none of Astrud's captivating performances from this event were included on the original vinyl release, despite her undeniable popularity and shared record label affiliation with the other two luminaries. Fortunately, a later CD release of the live Carnegie performance rectified this oversight by including five additional tracks showcasing Astrud's mesmerizing vocals, ensuring her rightful place alongside her esteemed male counterparts.
Bebel Gilberto - Tudo, 2014 (2024)
With a rich heritage in music, Bebel Gilberto has gracefully carved her own path, captivating a devoted fanbase with her unique blend of influences. The daughter of Brazilian music legends Joao Gilberto and Miúcha, has released numerous albums, EPs and remixes in multiple genre’s. In her 2014 release Tudo, Bebel effortlessly melds her ancestral musical roots with the infectious downtempo vibes of the 80s, creating a hip sound that is both familiar and refreshingly original. Available only on cd for a decade, Tudo is now available on vinyl. This exclusive reissue for Record Store Day (April 20, 2024) offers fans a chance at a rare full length vinyl release by Gilberto.
Limited to just 1000 copies on stunning white marbled vinyl, this 10th Anniversary edition features twelve tracks, including the Latin Grammy-nominated title track "Tudo." With lyrics in both English and Portuguese, the album showcases Bebel's versatility and transcendent talent. Each Record Store Day release includes a special 4-page booklet adorned with captivating pictures and written lyrics, offering fans an intimate glimpse into the continually ever-evolving world of música popular brasileira.
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