Verve Records Made in UK 1984 As the excellent sleeve note explains, Astrud became a star by accident, through her short-lived marriage to Joao Gilberto, then as now a big star in Brazil. Because Joao was unable to sing in English, Astrud was asked to contribute to the 'Getz/Gilberto' LP by crooning an English lyric to a few songs, following her husband's performance of the original Portuguese. One of these was 'The Girl from Ipanema', the first recording of the English version. The LP was a hit, so was the single (from which Joao's contribution was excised), and Astrud's career was launched. The joy of her singing is its artless innocence. Nothing is dramatized or overstressed - no big endings. It's relaxed in a way that only Brazilians seem to know how. The music is sunny and tuneful, floating over the unique subtle bossa nova beat. Included are some of the songs she did with Stan Getz, some with master arrangers Claus Ogerman and Marty Paich, and others with Walter Wanderly's lively organ combo. An essential collection indeed, full of classic tunes by Tom Jobim, Marcos Valle and the other bossa composers. Side 1. 1. The Girl From Ipanema 2. Meditation 3. O Morro Nao Tem Vez 4. Corcovado 5. A Certain Smile 6. Beach Samba (Bossa Na Praia) 7. Agua De Berber 8. Goodbye Sadness Side 2. 1. Take Me To Arunda 2. Bim - Bom 3. So Nice (Summer Samba) 4. One Note Samba 5. O Gonso 6. Tristeza 7. Fly Me To The Moon
