Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Astrud Gilberto & Walter Wanderley - A Certain Smile, A Certain Sadness (1966)

Brazil is home to some wonderful music and perhaps the most famed is bossa nova. Astrud Gilberto was there for the height of the original craze for the genre, and in a spot to capitalize upon it because of her famously talented husband, João Gilberto. Once you hear her there can be little question as to why she was a vanguard of bossa nova. Her voice is sweet and sings in both English and Portuguese on this album. Perhaps what makes the album interesting in light of other bossa nova or even the French pop that was popular at the same time is the contributions of Walter Wanderley. As an organist, Wanderley is responsible for setting the musical mood, and it is a joyful one. The combination of the two artists' talents creates an epitome of what 60s pop should be in my opinion. Some of the songs might sound familiar to even those who haven't ever heard of Astrud Gilberto or listen to any Brazilian music, such as "Call Me" and "So Nice (Summer Samba)" as I swear I've heard them in movie soundtracks. Anyhow, this is a good album if you have an ear for easy-listening. I mean, damn it man, "Tristeza" is some fine music!

To be had here (might need slight tag fixes):
Astrud Gilberto & Walter Wanderley - A Certain Smile, A Certain Sadness [192 kbps]

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