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This compilation is a tribute to the remarkable Brazilian jazz composer’s work,
performed by a venerated mix of artists including Stan Getz, Ella Fitzgerald, Shirley
Horn and Dizzy Gillespie.
It opens with the title track, and the
lyrics alternate between Spanish and English throughout the piece. The vocals of João
Gilberto and Astrud Gilberto form a melodic synergy and are complimented by the sweet,
smoky voice of Stan Getz on sax.
“Favela” is an instrumental piece and
opens with Getz on sax followed by the brilliant guitar stylings of Antonio Carlos Jobim.
I hear waves crashing and smell ocean whenever I listen to this
track.
Ella Fitzgerald belts out a moving interpretation of
“Desafinado” guaranteed to have you humming along. And “Agua de Beber” is upbeat and
catchy, featuring the melodic vocal harmonies of Astrud Gilberto and Antonio Carlos
Jobim. The final track, “Chega de Saudade,” which translates to “No More Blues,” opens
with soft sounds of children playing on the beach and features an amazing trumpet solo by
Dizzy Gillespie.
Simply put, this is bossa nova at its finest,
passionately rendered by a brilliant mix of artists. It is light, romantic, timeless and
a must for any jazz lover’s collection.
