Getz/Gilberto

A haiku: bossa nova nice but gets 5 for drummer's name: Milton Banana

I have fallen head over heels in love with Brazilian music in the last few years and it's partly due to 1001 periodically putting me back into contact with it. This has an all star lineup with Joao Gilberto, AC Jobim, and, the real scene stealer, Astrud Gilberto. Not to mention the smooth sax fingerings of Stan Getz. A finely balanced blend of jazz and Bossa Nova.

This album feels like a summer day with gentle breeze

This sometimes verges a bit too on the "easy" side of easy listening; I wish it had just a bit more bite to it. But what can I say, it's a classic for a reason... something about it just Getz me.

Me and my girlfriend did interesting things in the back of my car to this Best song: The Girl from Ipanema

5.0 + Makes me feel like I'm enjoying a well-blended cocktail at some ancient courtyard bar, candlelit and not too crowded. It's a breezy summer night filled with possibilities.

It's unfortunate how many people just consider this "elevator music." There aren't too many better albums to put on while drinking coffee on a Sunday morning.

Solid jazz/bossa nova record. Can get kinda repetitive, but still a fun listen nonetheless.

A sort of Bossa nova gateway drug. I wasn’t around in the early 60s but this record probably had a similar effect on me as it did to many others at the time. Dipping in to a bit CTI jazz and coming away with a newfound interest in Brazilian music. Very cool. Can imagine myself listening to this, sipping a caiprinha in a piano bar with the beautiful people. Then realise that I’m a pale, haggard, middle aged man from Glasgow who has no right to be there.

"American 20-something returns from overseas trip and plays this album for friends as if she didn't just spend a month vomiting on historical landmarks and having sex with strangers in pub toilets". "Bland cafe in 'endless suburbia' part of city sets self apart by playing Girl from Ipanema on repeat, as do the other 5 cafes on the same block". "Entire fucking Gilberto family appears on dumb 1001 albums list in show of author's desire to appear worldly, despite pathetically miniscule knowledge of music outside the Anglosphere". "Amateur music critic narrowly avoids death by boredom as dull, waify hotel cafe jazz album reaches 39th minute and ends". 2/5.

For me, music like this offers a time capsule/teleportation to an idyllic space of music that's easy going and relaxed but has enough harmonic and melodic complexity to keep it interesting and mysterious. It's a bit of a gateway drug to Stan Getz, Astrud Gilberto and Antonio Carlos Jobim - one I gladly fall into every time this sort of music comes around. If I could change one thing, I'd compress the tenor sax down - 's a bit loud.

I know this is iconic and legendary. I know it's smooth and cool and sexy. But I just found it to be boring today. 🤷‍♂️

Absolute classic bosa nova. Layed back vocals, beautiful and stripped back melodies, saxophone recorded so closely you can hear every valve and breath. Crack open a bottle of wine and make dinner to this. Must listen.

If there was an essential bossa nova album this would be it. Or at least a very strong contender. Easy 5 stars. Especially the time of listening my city has been raining for the last 2 weeks. This brings Copacabana vibes and lifts the spirits somewhat.

At first I was going to give this a really solid 4 because it was a really pleasant listen throughout and I especially liked the saxophone solos. However, after listening to it throughout the entire day, I realized that this was a rare jazz/bossa nova album that transcended simply ambient listening and became something I actively enjoyed for 40 minutes straight. Girl from Ipanema was a great start to the album and it kept up those good vibes throughout.

A beautiful, calming, relaxing and soothing album. I love her melancholic voice. If I ever organise a coctail party in a hot summer night close to a beach this album will be played for sure.

Cool music to just chill with in the background, but not my main vibe.

First, Getz comes in too loud on "The Girl from Ipanema." I realize he was the star of the show, but the mix should have been done with more subtlety. As a whole, this is a perfect album to have on in the background of a laughably overpriced, “artisanal,” cocktail bar. Can’t you just picture yourself watching flies fornicate on the window surrounded by hipsters in full affectation mode trying to pretend this music isn’t a snooze-fest every bit as boring as they are. Get out your drool bucket as this album is auditory Nembutal.

I guess someone had to write "The Girl from Ipanema". This record did nothing for me. The horn sounded weird through out.

Was this the second or third album 1001 sent us that had The Girl From Ipanema? The male and female vocals on this version are excellent. It’s hard to believe this was the first time Astrud sang professionally. This album was made only five years after the bossa nova genre started. It’s hard for kids like us to have this perspective. The music on this album is very quiet but it moves. I like Steve Getz’a soft almost whispering sax on The Girl from Ipanema and a couple of other songs on this album.

Música brasileña, poco qué añadir ❤️❤️

Magical on a sunny Friday. Magical on a wet Saturday

The best elevator music on the market. This is an amazing album, incredibly well produced and sounding so damn smooth and nice. There are simply no rough edges to be found on this. Ideal music for Sunday Morning Jazz Club.

I enjoyed this very much, so much so I dusted off my air sax .... good Sunday morning vibe.

Banger. The Girl From Ipanema is an all timer earworm melody. And the rest of the album is great too. I'm fascinated by music that can be engaging to listen to or sit perfectly in the background. This music is timeless for me. Another excellent selection from the generator. 5 stars all day.

thank you Stan Getz, vibes immaculate as always

As soon as this album was generated I knew it would be a good one. So incredibly feel good and chill. The guitar, the saxophone, the vocals. Perfect

This album is a memory to me. Walking down 26th to meet my mom at work and really hearing it for the first time. Every note is in it’s place, every musician holds up their end of the bargain, but to me Astrud’s voice is the star. Not to discount João’s.

I’m a sucker for bossa and this is a perfect entry into the genre

Really great. High fidelity. Great early morning music. Very soothing and calming. Will replay a whole bunch.

What a lovely little album! Bosa nova has been hitting my ear right recently. i am curious - is this the first ever iteration of girl from impanena? Album is great, can have it on repeat in the bg of a party or at work and everyone would be happy. loving it. feels like a sigh.

When I was a kid, my father would play guitar and sing "The Girl From Ipanema" to me. He passed away in 1980. Today would have been his 87th birthday and this was my Album of the Day. Happy Birthday, Papai.

Perfect album. I will be listening again and again!

I have heard The Girl From Ipanema maybe dozens or hundreds of times, but I didn't know this was THE album where it was first featured. I liked it a lot. I'm already thinking of driving along the coast listening to this, and I can't wait to do it.

The band's wink is quiet, but proves subtle instead of weak well into the era of streaming through headphones. Getz/Gilberto is a small-space jazz album, but there still is space. The music works almost anywhere, provided it doesn't have to overwhelm anything. The opener contains the largest note of expected beauty, which flits around the rest of the tracks. Each offset just a bit, each suggesting the easiest of landings.

I never tire of Girl from Ipanema. I've loved it from the time I first heard it on my transistor radio as a kid. AG's voice is so exotic and foreign. It's amazing that the single sat on the shelf for a year because the producer insisted on removing "Ipanema" from the title. These days, I have a better appreciation for Stan's warm saxophone solos. I'm sure a lot of jazz purists in '62 would have dissed him, comparing his mellow and simple sound unfavorably to Coltrane or Sonny Rollins, but it fits perfectly here. I've never been fond of male samba or bossanova singers (the Brazilians specifically) because their voices are a bit delicate for me, but again, it adds to the overall mood of the album.

Goat album älskar bossa simple as

Vie, vie, vie vie ... VIE!!

Is there any music more soothing than this? I think not.

Contrary to popular belief, bossa nova evolved inpendently from Jazz, emerging from samba in the mid- to late-fifties. Nevertheless, on this album we see these styles collide with Gilberto (guitar), the "father of bossa nova", working with Gets (sax) with cool jazz roots. The result is a work that will introduce the world to bossa nova and create several songs that will ultimately become jazz standards. This is a great album, I enjoyed the listen. Considering its ongoing and historical importance, this was an album well worthy of inclusion on the list.

Easy listening Latin jazz for low-key rainy evening mood.

I mean, this album is just a delight. I feel happy and relaxed just thinking about it.

Decades before anyone ever utilised the word ”chill” as a musical genre this surely has to be the template of this very description. An album to just put on and simply forget about all the shit that is going on in the world today. Getz was the definition of chill & cool.

4.5

Exceptional!!

The fusion works for me , it’s smooth ambient and often beautiful . It’s different than most of the albums on here which makes it stand out and it doesn’t quite have the highs that some of my top rated albums do but it works … I can have this on and get through a hour of coding feeling peaceful

Deeply enjoyable to listen to. Suggested soundtrack to painting rocks or eating leftover spaghetti.

I like jazz

Quite literally the perfect record to relax with after a long day’s work.

Cool 😎

Delightful background music. Will save the entire album for cocktail hours and date nights. I feel like I’ve heard all of these songs as backing tracks in movies.

Smooth tropical sound and a softie for The Girl From Ipanema.

Chav sex after party music.

Getz/Gilberto isn’t just a classic album, it’s a mood in itself. From the very first notes, it creates a sense of calm, elegance, and warmth that feels almost timeless. It’s the sound of summer evenings, open windows, and slowing down, and it’s a place you want to stay. The collaboration between Stan Getz’s smooth saxophone and João Gilberto’s delicate guitar and understated vocals is pure magic, beautifully enhanced by Antônio Carlos Jobim’s compositions and Astrud Gilberto’s unforgettable voice on tracks like The Girl from Ipanema. This album is the perfect blend of jazz sophistication and bossa nova’s subtle rhythms. It’s simple, yet deeply refined, and that’s exactly what makes it so powerful. It’s a record you return to, not to analyze, but to feel. 5/5

Ah, finally the origin of Girl from Ipanema. Wonderful.

I like this album. I've heard it once before. I understand it to be a "must have" in your collection of vinyl, but I'm still looking for a copy. While I'm not much a fan of jazz, this album's smooth bossa nova vibe is quite nice. It's the kind of album you'd put on to woo a gal the first time she's over at your house for a dinner date...if you're a character in a movie.

fantastic for work or lounging around

Gorgeous and smooth , makes me wish I was sipping a red wine in a quiet bar with this softly playing . Simply relaxing on the ears and a pleasure

9/10 Favorite: The Girl From Ipanema

Meticulously beautiful and great recording.

Solid

exquisite little album

Fantastic. Getz and Gilberto compliment each other wonderfully. Getz's playing really livens up each song. This is bossa nova at its finest. This is what this list needs more of. 5/5 Will listen again

iconic

I regularly listen to this album. It's a go-to Sunday morning dink around the house background. Plus it's just so relaxing, no matter when/where. This was an easy rating...and washes out the bile I was feeling having spent any time wasted on Linkin Park.

I love this one. Hits just right on a Sunday morning with a cup of coffee and some sunshine.

Sultry and smooth. Very enjoyable listen!

Bangs

One of the best albums of all time. Everything is tight; Gilberto’s at his best, Getz seems to have the perfect Bossa tone, Jobim is good as always and Astrid Gilberto delivers one of the most unique and heavenly vocal performances ever. Easy 5/5

Fantastic.

Two absolute legends at the top of their game. Just an A+ jazz record.

This could unseat Miles Davis as #1 on the IGTOV chart. 5 *'s

Really been hit after hit of albums I've never heard lately. This is one of the warmest, most relaxing albums I've had the pleasure of listening to - the vocals are buttery, the sax and guitar are mixed incredibly well, and the percussion blends in so well you completely forget it's there. Another 4.5 that I'm bumping up to a 5 heck yeah

Love it

Jazz, samba, bossa nova from the 60s. Incredibly smooth. Pool cocktail music. Cozy and classy. Smooth.

I had never listened to bossa nova before, and it was amazing. So soothing

Very cool. Especially in regards of practicing Portuguese

Album incredible, indescriptible, de sumo cuidado, amor por la musica y sentimientos perfectos que solo el jazz y en este caso el jazz de Stan Getz y Joao Gilberto solo podrían conseguir, amor por todo lo que esto representa, uno de mis albums favoritos de todos los tiempos. simplemente Bozza Nova.

Perfect. It's a filthy hot summer day and this slid through my evening like a balm. Only ever heard it in in compilations before but as a single piece it's excellent.

If you're old enough to remember, this album changed music in many ways back in the '60s. And...there's no music more seductive than bossa nova.

I love this. It’s a perfect relaxing Sunday morning vibe. It’s so beautiful, her voice, the piano, the saxophone tone is otherworldly. It’s just gorgeous and I loved listening to it. I think I’ve actually heard this entire album before! I at least have listened to the girl from ipanema because I mean who hasn’t. But it’s silky and smooth. The perfect late night or early morning album.

Perfect for a summer Sunday

Love the ez listening,

Gooodd

## In-Depth Review: *Getz/Gilberto* by Stan Getz & João Gilberto *Getz/Gilberto* (1964) stands as a landmark album in both jazz and world music, credited with launching the global bossa nova craze and forever altering the landscape of popular music. This review examines the album’s lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, while also weighing its pros and cons. ## **Album Overview** - **Artists:** Stan Getz (tenor saxophone), João Gilberto (guitar, vocals), Antônio Carlos Jobim (piano, composer), Astrud Gilberto (vocals), Milton Banana (drums), Sebastião Neto (bass) - **Producer:** Creed Taylor - **Release Year:** 1964 - **Notable Tracks:** “The Girl from Ipanema,” “Corcovado (Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars),” “Desafinado,” “Só Danço Samba”[1][2][3] ## **Lyrics** The lyrics on *Getz/Gilberto* are understated, poetic, and rooted in the Brazilian tradition of painting vivid, romantic images of Rio de Janeiro and its people. Most tracks feature lyrics in Portuguese, with select verses in English, notably sung by Astrud Gilberto, whose gentle, untrained voice lends an air of intimacy and authenticity[2][1]. - **“The Girl from Ipanema”:** The most famous track, with lyrics by Vinícius de Moraes and English adaptation by Norman Gimbel, tells a simple yet evocative story of a beautiful woman walking by, capturing the bittersweet longing of the observer. The lyrics are direct, painting a scene of idyllic beauty and subtle melancholy. - **“Corcovado (Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars)”:** This song offers a vision of tranquility and romantic contentment, with lyrics that evoke peaceful nights and quiet love. - **Other tracks:** Songs like “Desafinado” and “Só Danço Samba” play with themes of love, longing, and the joys and frustrations of romance, all delivered with a light touch and poetic brevity. The lyrics avoid overt political or social commentary, instead focusing on personal emotions and the beauty of everyday life, often through a lens of gentle nostalgia[4]. ## **Music** The music of *Getz/Gilberto* is the album’s most celebrated feature, blending the rhythmic sophistication of Brazilian samba with the harmonic complexity and improvisational flair of jazz[5][2][6]. - **Bossa Nova Rhythms:** The album is a masterclass in bossa nova, characterized by its syncopated, understated rhythms and gentle swing. João Gilberto’s guitar playing is central—his right-hand technique provides a subtle, percussive pulse that is both intricate and relaxed. - **Melodic Simplicity and Chromatic Harmony:** Antônio Carlos Jobim’s compositions are marked by simple, singable melodies set against rich, chromatic harmonies, creating a lush but accessible soundscape[4]. - **Stan Getz’s Saxophone:** Getz’s tenor saxophone is lyrical, breathy, and melodic, weaving effortlessly between the vocals and guitar. His improvisations are restrained, never overwhelming the delicate framework of the songs but adding a layer of emotional depth and jazz sophistication[5][6]. - **Vocals:** João Gilberto’s vocals are soft, almost whispered, embodying the bossa nova ethos of subtlety and cool detachment. Astrud Gilberto’s English vocals, particularly on “The Girl from Ipanema” and “Corcovado,” are unpolished yet captivating, her accent and phrasing becoming an iconic aspect of the album’s sound[2][1]. - **Instrumentation:** The arrangements are minimal, with piano, bass, and light percussion supporting the core trio. This sparseness allows each musical element to breathe, contributing to the album’s intimate atmosphere[6]. ## **Production** Produced by Creed Taylor, *Getz/Gilberto* was recorded in just two days, yet the results are remarkably polished and organic[2][6]. - **Recording Quality:** The production is intimate and transparent, with a natural warmth that highlights the interplay between musicians. The balance is superb—vocals, saxophone, guitar, and rhythm section each occupy their own space without crowding the mix[6]. - **Studio Ambience:** The recording captures the sense of a small room, with close-miked vocals and instruments that make the listener feel present at the session. Subtle details, like the resonance of the bass and the gentle brushwork on drums, are rendered with clarity[6]. - **Minimal Overdubs:** The album’s live-in-the-studio feel is a testament to the musicians’ chemistry and skill, with little need for post-production embellishments. ## **Themes** The album’s themes are rooted in romance, longing, and the everyday beauty of Brazilian life. - **Romantic Idealism:** Most songs explore the nuances of love—unrequited, contented, or wistful. The tone is never melodramatic; instead, it is cool, detached, and quietly passionate[5][4]. - **Idyllic Escapism:** The lyrics and music together evoke an idealized vision of Rio de Janeiro, its beaches, and its people, offering listeners a form of gentle escapism[4]. - **Cultural Fusion:** The collaboration itself is a thematic statement, blending North American jazz with Brazilian bossa nova, symbolizing cross-cultural understanding and artistic unity[2][6]. ## **Influence** *Getz/Gilberto* is arguably the most influential bossa nova album ever released, with impact far beyond its genre[2][3][1]. - **Global Popularization of Bossa Nova:** The album introduced bossa nova to a worldwide audience, sparking a wave of imitations and adaptations by artists as diverse as Frank Sinatra and The Beach Boys[2]. - **Jazz Standardization:** Songs like “The Girl from Ipanema,” “Desafinado,” and “Corcovado” became jazz standards, performed and recorded by countless musicians in the decades since[1]. - **Career Launches:** The album made international stars of Stan Getz, João Gilberto, Antônio Carlos Jobim, and especially Astrud Gilberto, whose debut vocal performance became iconic[2][7]. - **Cultural Impact:** The album’s success bridged cultural divides and demonstrated the commercial viability of non-English-language music in the US and Europe. It also provided a template for future cross-genre collaborations[2][6]. - **Awards:** *Getz/Gilberto* won the Grammy for Album of the Year, a rare achievement for a jazz record, and “The Girl from Ipanema” won Record of the Year[7]. ## **Pros and Cons** | Pros | Cons | |--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Timeless, universally appealing sound[5][1] | Some may find the album’s mood too uniform or subdued | | Lyrical, melodic saxophone playing by Getz[6][5] | Astrud Gilberto’s vocals, while iconic, can sound amateurish to some listeners[2] | | João Gilberto’s subtle, innovative guitar and vocals[1][6] | Lyrics lack depth for those seeking political or social commentary[4] | | Jobim’s masterful songwriting and harmonies[4][1] | The album’s brevity (8 tracks, ~35 minutes) may leave some wanting more | | Impeccable production—warm, intimate, natural[6][2] | The overshadowing fame of “The Girl from Ipanema” can detract from appreciation of others | | Seamless fusion of jazz and Brazilian music[5][2][6] | | | Launched the global bossa nova movement, huge cultural influence[2][3][1] | | ## **Track-by-Track Highlights** - **“The Girl from Ipanema”**: The album’s centerpiece, with Astrud Gilberto’s dreamy vocals and Getz’s lyrical saxophone. The song’s gentle sway and memorable melody made it a global hit[2][1]. - **“Doralice”**: A lively, rhythmically intricate tune showcasing Gilberto’s guitar and vocals. - **“Para Machuchar Meu Coração”**: A more melancholic piece, with plaintive singing and subtle instrumental interplay. - **“Desafinado”**: A classic bossa nova composition with playful lyrics about singing out of tune, featuring a memorable saxophone solo[1]. - **“Corcovado (Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars)”**: Another highlight for Astrud Gilberto, whose English vocals convey tranquility and romantic longing[2]. - **“Só Danço Samba”**: Upbeat and danceable, with infectious rhythms and melodic hooks. - **“O Grande Amor”**: A lush, romantic ballad with intricate harmonies. - **“Vivo Sonhando”**: A gentle, optimistic closer, leaving the listener in a state of peaceful reverie. ## **Conclusion** *Getz/Gilberto* is more than just a collection of songs; it is a milestone in music history, representing the perfect marriage of Brazilian bossa nova and American jazz. Its influence is vast, its sound timeless, and its artistry unmatched. The album’s strengths—its subtlety, beauty, and cross-cultural appeal—far outweigh its minor shortcomings. For anyone interested in jazz, world music, or simply the art of the album, *Getz/Gilberto* remains “beyond essential”.

Bossa Nova is king. Stan Getz’s work here is just as fantastic and smooth as his name.

very nice, liked it a lot

Unironically good

Phenomenal Bossa Nova jazz. Really enjoyed the quiet, and the mood they achieved.

I wasn’t expecting to like this as much as I did.

perfection. love it.

Beautiful jazz by way of Brazil. Great in all the right ways.

This makes me feel good

Peak. Great vibes, smooth, suave, very nice.

BRAZIL MENTIONED!!! This is probably the most internationally known album from my country, and it is indeed a national treasure. But here's a warning to the gringos: there's much more to our music than you can imagine. We're not just made of bossa nova, soccer and hot womens hahahahaha

I would seek this album out again for its smooth and calming tones. Goid ol' Bossa Nova

Ah, se ela soubesse

Listen to this at the airport heading to Chicago So far this is amazing and the right amount of jazz I needed 9/10

The perfect album for a warm summernight with cool cocktails and good company.

This album made me fall in love with Bossa Nova. Marvelous and beautiful.