The Astrud Gilberto Album
Astrud Gilberto
1965
Why This Album Matters
Released in 1965, The Astrud Gilberto Album marks the solo debut of the singer who would become one of the most iconic voices of bossa nova globally. Following the resounding success of "Garota de Ipanema" with Stan Getz and João Gilberto, this album solidified Astrud Gilberto as a singular artist, capable of captivating international audiences with her delicate and distinctive interpretation. The record showcases Astrud's soft and almost whispering voice, a vocal style that became synonymous with bossa nova, in contrast to the more traditional vibrato of the era. Under the production of Creed Taylor and the luxurious arrangements by Marty Paich, the album is an elegant showcase of the fusion of American jazz with Brazilian melodic sophistication, reaffirming the artist's transcultural appeal.
Context
Astrud Gilberto's meteoric rise to global stardom was an unexpected phenomenon. Initially known as João Gilberto's wife, her participation in the seminal 1964 album Getz/Gilberto was almost accidental. Her English interpretation of "The Girl from Ipanema" instantly transformed her into an international sensation, opening the doors to her solo career. In 1965, already divorced from João Gilberto, Astrud capitalised on her global recognition with her first solo work. The Astrud Gilberto Album emerged in this context of personal and professional transition, consolidating her image as the voice of bossa nova who, with her shyness and natural charm, won over audiences in the United States and various other countries, especially Japan.
Recording
The Astrud Gilberto Album was recorded in just two days, 27 and 28 January 1965, at RCA Studios in Hollywood, California. Production was handled by the renowned Creed Taylor, one of the leading figures behind the internationalisation of bossa nova. Marty Paich, known for his masterful orchestrations that perfectly complemented Astrud's vocal subtlety, was enlisted for the arrangements and conducting. The album featured a constellation of talents, including Antônio Carlos Jobim on guitar (and vocals on the track "Água de Beber"), João Donato on piano, Bud Shank on flute and alto sax, and sound engineer Rudy Van Gelder, whose mastering work ensured the characteristic sound quality of jazz from that era.
Songs
The repertoire of The Astrud Gilberto Album is predominantly composed of bossa nova classics, many of them written or co-written by Antônio Carlos Jobim, who also participates in the album playing guitar and singing on "Água de Beber". Songs such as "Once I Loved" (Amor em Paz), "Meditation" (Meditação), "How Insensitive" (Insensatez) and "Dindi" receive Astrud's characteristic interpretation, as she transitions naturally between Portuguese and English. Marty Paich's arrangements envelop Astrud's voice in a rich orchestral atmosphere, with the "Guildhall String Ensemble" adding a brilliance that harmonises with contributions from musicians such as João Donato on piano and Bud Shank on wind instruments. The track selection demonstrates care in presenting both romantic ballads and more rhythmic sambas, all permeated by the lightness and elegance that became Astrud Gilberto's trademark.
Legacy
The Astrud Gilberto Album was a commercial and critical success, solidifying the singer's solo career. The album reached position 41 on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States and received a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from AllMusic, with critics praising the sweetness of her voice and the musicians' intelligence. In 2017, American public radio NPR included the record at position 73 on its list of the "150 Greatest Albums Made by Women", recognising its historical importance. Her performance on the album and subsequent success guaranteed Astrud Gilberto not only a solid discography of chart-topping albums, but also an enduring reputation as one of the principal ambassadors of bossa nova and Brazilian jazz on the global stage.
Rankings
Tracks
Credits
Marty Paich
Creed Taylor
Astrud Gilberto
Joe Mondragon
Guildhall String Ensemble
Bud Shank
Antonio Carlos Jobim
João Donato
Milt Bernhart
Stu Williamson
Dave Hassinger
Val Valentin
Rudy Van Gelder
Michael Malatak
Craig Simpson
Podcasts
Give It A Listen · Dave Skinner
In this episode Dave brings a hint of the Copacabana to the proceedings by plonking the first album by Bosa Nova (Portugese for New Wave) legend Astrud Gilberto on the turn table. Will Joe embrace the syncopated rhythm and lush instrumentation (AI's description) or will he drop his Pina Colada and run for the Cristo Redentor up in the hills. Tune in to find out.
Videos
Astrud Gilberto - The Astrud Gilberto Album (Episode 240)
Ten-Minute Record Reviews
Blue Note jazz record album reviews suggested by viewers & a Stan Getz, Astrud Gilberto album review
Kenny's Audiophile Record Reviews
Getz Gilberto Album Review
HiFi Utopia
CTS Album Review: GETZ AND GILBERTO-GETZ AND GILBERTO
Combing The Stacks Music Podcast
Books
The 500 Greatest Brazilian Albums of All Time
Ricardo Alexandre · 2022
The election was spearheaded by journalist Ricardo Alexandre, creator of the Discoteca Básica podcast. Ricardo consulted 162 specialists including journalists, YouTubers, podcasters, musicians, record-shop owners and producers. The result was published as a 200-page hardcover book, with graphic design by Fernando Pires.
300 Important Albums of Brazilian Music
Charles Gavin, Tárik de Souza, Carlos Calado, Arthur Dapieve · 2008
Conceived by Titãs drummer and musical researcher Charles Gavin, the 434-page book brings together covers and reviews of albums released between 1929 and 2007. The texts were written by journalists Tárik de Souza, Arthur Dapieve and Carlos Calado.
Analyses
The Astrud Gilberto Album – Wikipedia
Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia
MUSICA&SOM: Astrud Gilberto - The Astrud Gilberto Album (1965)
tabernanovostempos.blogspot.com
Claro que, apesar do sucesso estrondoso, não era certo que ela conseguiria manter uma carreira sólida quando gravou seu primeiro LP solo, The Astrud Gilberto Album.
Discografia Básica: Astrud Gilberto, The Astrud Gilberto Album (1965 ...
bossajazzbrasil.com
Foi também Nara quem apresentou Astrud e João Gilberto, que passou a ser o grande incentivador da namorada. João e Astrud se casaram em 1959. The Astrud Gilberto Album é o primeiro álbum solo da cantora Astrud Gilberto, lançado em 1965. Faixas: Lado A: Once I Loved Agua De Beber Meditation And Roses And Roses O Morro (Nao Tem Vez) How ...
Discogs
The Astrud Gilberto Album – Discogs
discogs.com