A Certain Smile a Certain Sadness

Astrud Gilberto / Walter Wanderley

1966

Cover of A Certain Smile a Certain Sadness

Why This Album Matters

Released by Verve Records in 1967, the album A Certain Smile, a Certain Sadness represents a significant encounter at the height of bossa nova's popularity in the United States. The record unites the unmistakable voice of Astrud Gilberto, who became renowned with "The Girl from Ipanema", and the vibrant style of organist Walter Wanderley, then two of the most prominent names in the genre. Considered by some to be one of Astrud Gilberto's most exquisite recordings, this work captures the melancholic and charming essence of bossa nova, combining the singer's gentle interpretation with Wanderley's sunny arrangements. The result is a sound that, despite its sweetness and innocence, carries a subtle layer of sadness, a striking characteristic of the style.

Context

The recording of A Certain Smile, a Certain Sadness took place in September 1966, a period when bossa nova was experiencing fervent success in the American music market. Astrud Gilberto, after her meteoric rise with the global success of "The Girl from Ipanema" in 1964, had established herself as one of the main voices of bossa nova on the international scene, deciding to remain in the USA to pursue her solo career. Walter Wanderley, for his part, was already a recognised Brazilian organist who had previously collaborated with Astrud and João Gilberto as an accompanist and arranger. This album solidified his presence on the American scene and marked a collaboration between two artists who personified the pop appeal of bossa nova at the time.

Recording

The album A Certain Smile, a Certain Sadness was recorded in New York between 20 and 23 September 1966. Production was handled by Creed Taylor, and sound engineering was by Rudy Van Gelder and Val Valentin. The instrumentation featured Astrud Gilberto on vocals, Walter Wanderley on organ and piano, José Marino on bass, Claudio Slon on drums, and Bobby Rosengarden on percussion. Interestingly, João Gilberto, Astrud's ex-husband, also appears as a guitarist on some tracks, marking one of the few times the two would reunite in the studio after Astrud's fame.

Songs

A Certain Smile, a Certain Sadness features a selection of songs that transition between American standards and Brazilian compositions, many of which have become timeless. Highlights include Astrud Gilberto's "definitive" version of "So Nice (Summer Samba)", as well as "Call Me" and "Goodbye Sadness (Tristeza)". The repertoire also encompasses Brazilian gems such as "Nega do Cabelo Duro" and Dorival Caymmi's "Você Já Foi à Bahia", revealing the cultural fusion present in the work. Later CD editions enriched the album with bonus tracks, such as "The Sadness of After" and "Who Needs Forever?".

Legacy

Despite being released at the height of bossa nova, the reception of A Certain Smile, a Certain Sadness was varied, with some critics pointing out that, at times, the collaboration between Gilberto and Wanderley seemed disintegrated, as if "each one were performing in their own universe". However, the album is widely considered a "pleasant record" and essential for fans of Astrud Gilberto and Walter Wanderley. Songs like "So Nice (Summer Samba)" achieved classic status, being re-recorded and honoured, such as Bebel Gilberto's inclusion on her debut album, solidifying the lasting impact of this work.