Search - Stan Getz, Joao Gilberto :: Getz/Gilberto #2

Granz puts together a fractious reunion

rash67 | USA | 03/14/2010

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Norm Granz, owner of Verve Records, held Getz and the Gilberto's contracts in the sixties. He also owned rigths to the monster classic, the second best selling album of all time (after "Kind of Blue"), "Getz/Gilberto" and was anxious to re-capitalize on it's success with a follow up album.



The painfully shy Joao Gilberto had invited his wife Astrud Gilberto to New York to the original record "Getz/Gilberto" with AC Jobim. Astrud was a housewife with no musical training, but Getz like her, liked her small off-key voice. ("Desafinado" means "off-key" in Portuguese.) So Getz insisted that she sing "Girl From Ipanema" over the strong objections of Gilberto and Jobim. That song went on to be a monster hit, on the Pop, Rock and Jazz stations for over a year. Getz had an affair with Astrud which torpedoed the Gilberto's marriage.



So Granz wanted another golden egg and planned this concert. By this time all three principals were feuding with each other, at each others throats. Getz showed up with his new non Bossa nova band including Gary Burton, the future direction of his career, Joao Gilberto showed with his and Astrud showed up with hers. On stage, the principals were barely civil to each other. While the album is pleasant, there was no playing together and songs where they are have been omitted.



This rag-tag album has shown up in many incarnations, this current version without the Astrud Gilberto songs.





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Why do they reissue stuff with fewer tracks?

nolahepcat | New Orleans, LA United States | 10/04/2008

(1 out of 5 stars)

"There are 5 tracks missing compared to the 1993 version. The entire CD is 35 minutes."

Beautiful performances

D. Amos | Houston, TX | 02/23/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I do not own this CD, but own the original LP release from 64. I am not familiar with any version with 5 more songs, as noted by the reviewer below me. The LP I have has the same songs as this CD.



The first few songs are performed by Stan Getz with Gary Burton on vibes. The set is solid and the performances are killer. "Here's That Rainy Day" makes the whole Getz side worthwhile. The combo's interpretation is really beautiful.



On the Gilberto side, I was pleasantly surprised to find a set without Getz at all. Just guitar, bass and drums. The group is as tight as can be and Gilberto's guitar playing really shines. I listen to this side more than the other and recommend this record as an excellent companion to the celbrated Getz/Gilberto."