Joao Gilberto - Amoroso (1977/2011) [Official Digital Download 24-bit/192kHz]

×

Joao Gilberto - Amoroso (1977/2011) [Official Digital Download 24-bit/192kHz]

Close

João Gilberto - Amoroso (1977/2011)
FLAC (tracks) 24-bit/192 kHz | Time - 44:45 minutes | 1,79 GB
FLAC (tracks) 24-bit/96 kHz | Time - 44:45 minutes | 966 MB
Studio Master, Official Digital Download | Artwork: Front cover

Besides João Gilberto's definitive renditions of Brazilian classics, he also put his mark on and made world classics such as "'S Wonderful," "Estate" and "Bésame Mucho" his own. With outstanding arrangements and musical direction by Claus Ogerman, Amoroso is a reference recording for years to come. The album was produced by Tommy Lipuma and Helen Keane, and it featured João on vocals and acoustic guitar.
Amoroso seems to divide some of João's fans. For some, the string arrangements detract from João performances, whereas for others, Claus' orchestral creations only enhance João's peak performances. I have personally been in the latter category and very proud of that. How can I listen to "Wave" without strings attached? The lyrics take on a new meaning with the flute introduction and the soaring violins in the middle of the nearly five-minute arrangement. It is as if João and Claus knew that we would want to listen to this track over and over. "'S Wonderful" was later on recorded by Diana Krall in a very similar Claus Ogerman arrangement. Why change a perfect thing?! Of course, João's phrasing and pronunciation of this Gershwin classic is endearing to say the least. The same goes with "Estate" and "Bésame Mucho." Word classics sung by a world legendary singer!
João is playful in "Tin Tin por Tin Tin," passionate in "Bésame Mucho," heartbroken in "Caminhos Cruzados," towering in "Wave" and always perfect in every song he sings. The album closes with Jobim/Buarque's "Zíngaro," known to many as "Retrato em Branco e Preto."
Joao Gilberto is perhaps forever destined to be lesser known to casual jazz fans than his occasional collaborator Stan Getz (whose GETZ/GILBERTO albums introduced the United States to bossa nova) and his ex-wife Astrud Gilberto (whose shy, delicate voice made her one of the most distinctive and beloved jazz vocalists of the '60s). However, true fans of Brazilian music recognize that Gilberto is second only to Antonio Carlos Jobim as a writer and interpreter of traditional Brazilian music and Brazilian-influenced jazz.