During the Grammy Awards of 1965, Stan Getz and João Gilberto won no less than four awards, including for 'best album of the year'. And rightly so: with their first duo album, the New York saxophonist and guitarist from Rio had unleashed all the rage. The subtly swaying samba rhythm of the bossa nova had landed in millions of American living rooms. Especially the single The Girl From Ipanema struck
… a chord with many Americans. The song was sung by João's wife Astrud, who set the tone for many sighing girls after her with her Brazilian accent and timid phrasing. The entire album exudes a relaxed, controlled coolness. It is amazing to read in the liner notes, that Getz was an alcoholic with an enormous tax debt and that Gilberto was so troubled by street fear that he barely dared to leave his hotel room. The relaxed pianist and master songwriter Tom Jobim nevertheless managed to bring out the best in both gentlemen. Getz / Gilberto is still considered one of the highlights of the history of jazz. (PdK)more
