Getz/Gilberto

Premier among Brasil's contributions to the international music scene is Bossa Nova. The six years from 1958 to 1963 produced over a dozen Jazz Standards, making Bossa Nova one of the most influential jazz movements, despite its brief duration.

Getz/Gilberto is the Magnum Opus of the Bossa Nova movement. Of the dozen or so Jazz Standards to rise from the Bossa Nova movement, three are found on the eight tracks of this album.

Traditionally, Bossa Nova is played with an unaccompanied guitar and vocals. However, Stan Getz, an American saxophone player from the "Cool Jazz" movement of the 40's and 50's, took an interest in the sound. He met with Joao Gilberto, guitarist and creator of the Bossa Nova beat, and Antonio Carlos Jobim, a famed songwriter from Rio de Janeiro. Together they worked out a fusion of Getz's saxophone skills and Gilberto's deft touch on the guitar that was unlike anything before it. They spent two days recording this album, and played their way into music immortality.

Getz/Gilberto took the world by storm. At the 1965 Grammy Awards Getz/Gilberto won Album of the year, Best Engineered Album, and Best Jazz Instrumental. The first single, "The Girl From Ipanema", won Record of the Year. To put the significance of winning Album of the Year and Record of the Year in 1965 into perspective, The Beatles released their American debut that year.

Getz/Gilberto is the perfect music for enjoying your leisure time. I often put it on when enjoying a good drink or meal at home, entertaining guests, or reading a good book. The three tracks that went on to become Jazz Standards, Girl From Ipanema, Desafinado, and Corcovado, are particularly sublime.

I recommend this album to everyone, regardless of their being a jazz aficionado or not. All people can enjoy its relaxing, tropical quality.