Jazz Samba

Nice vinyl quality

If you don't know what "bossa nova" is, or why it was so popular for so long, then this is an excellent album to get - though I believe  Getz/Gilberto , which is my third or fourth favorite jazz album of all time, is even better. If you're only getting one (for now), then I'd steer you in that direction. However, both are very good albums both for newbies and for old jazzers (who shouldn't listen to me anyway).The highlight of both albums is Stan Getz's beautiful saxophone, though on this album Charlie Byrd contributes some very nice guitar work too. Let me make a confession: the first time I heard it, I wasn't really happy with Byrd's solos. Some seemed ok, some were disappointing. This happens sometimes with jazz, or for that matter probably with any interesting music. However, about the third time I listened to it, something snapped into place for me, and his solos made perfect sense. His playing has a logic that I needed a few listens to discover. Anyway, I have several albums by Stan Getz and his playing (not to mention his vocalizing, which always expresses my feelings perfectly) is something no music lover should miss.The reason I'd steer you to the other has nothing to do with Byrd, but with Astrud Gilberto, who sings on several of the tracks, especially "The Girl from Ipanema" and "Corcovado [Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars]," probably the two most famous bossa nova songs.If this tickles your fancy, let me make some more recommendations. As Amazon has realized, people often buy these with Antonio Carlos Jobim's  Wave , which is pure musical fun. But for the people who want a little more bop in their bossa, an interesting album is  Page One . Listen to "Blue Bossa" especially.You just can't go far wrong with any of this. However, if I've somehow left you with some doubt as to what I'd say (had anyone asked) you should hear first, let me clearly state it's Getz/Gilberto, followed by this album. My third recommendation would be a totally different direction, still Stan Getz but this time he's with vibraphonist Lionel Hampton:  Hampton & Getz , which is one of the most underappreciated jazz recordings I know of. And if you like that one, then try Wave, Page One, and Cal Tjader's  Soul Sauce .

Here you have a special Nordstrom's two-for-one issue of the first "Bossa Nova" record in the USA, Jazz Samba -- paired with the immortal Getz/Gilberto recording.JAZZ SAMBA. Recorded in two days in a Washington, D.C.church by Charlie Byrd and Stan Getz. They had created the first wonderful HIT, "Desafinado", from the recording. Since these two were more or less "winging it" there is a wonderful spontaneous feel to their music. Came out in 1960 and caught the "gringos" with their pants down (if you pardon the expression.) "Desafindo" was a major HIT and stayed at the top of the charts for, I don't know, something like 24 weeks. (At this point in time, no one, more or less had heard of Joao Gilberto, the father of Bossa Nova.) Actually, Charlie Byrd and his boys were on a "good will" trip to Brazil and Charlie heard, liked and bought several Joao Gilberto LP's. (Remember them?) Then he played them for Getz and Verve producer Grantz. And JAZZ SAMBA was born. (What else could they call it?)GETZ/GILBERTO. Recorded in the fall of 1963 but not released until Summer 1964 (when they hoped the Bossa Nova "FAD" had ended and their might be room for the REAL THING.) Remember the "Girl from Ipanema" (or "gal" as Astrud Gilberto sings.) The entire recording with Joao, his then wife, Astrud, Getz, Antonio Carlos Jobim (the composer of many of the songs) and an imported brazilian drummer, Milton Banana -- (real name) who was brought up to the USA to add authenticity. Which he certainly did! This is a world class album that will still be bought and listened to ONE HUNDRED YEARS FROM TODAY! And I am not kidding! If you have not heard it (is there anyone who has not?)-- buy it! Listen to Joao, Astrud, Stan, "Tom", and Milton and a bassist (whom I forget.) Then you will have experienced Heaven on earth. (Personal note: unfortunately Stan Getz, and Antonio ("Tom") Carlos Jobim have both died.And just think, when everyone professionally associated with this Getz/Gilberto wonder is no longer here -- WE CAN STILL LISTEN TO THEM CREATING SOME MOST EXQUISITE MUSIC! And they will all be ALIVE AGAIN!

Here we have JAZZ SAMBA, recorded 50 years ago, on February 13, 1962, in just a few miraculous hours! You can hear the off-the-cuff quality of the playing; very endearing. And now it has been remastered beautifully; which it richly deserves.Bossa Nova and Joao Gilberto and Antonio Carlos Jobim were still in the wings. "Getz/Gilberto" was not recorded until 1963 and not released until the summer of '64.So until that happened, we had this wonderful recording. I can still remember arriving in Palo Alto, in the afternoon, at the conclusion of a long motorcycle trip from L.A. that lasted forever because of the night, fog and cold. But when I put on this new recording in the living room of my High School friend's house and fell asleep on the grass outside, I thought -- you know -- that I had died and gone to heaven.I was already familiar with Joao and Jobim from Joao Gilberto's first recording to be released in the U.S, in 1961, "The Wonderful World of Joao Gilberto." It immediately "tanked." ("Is he singing in Spanish?")But Getz's version of "Desafinado" from this record, won a grammy and lives on. The recording itself was on the "charts" for 70 weeks!I almost forgot to give credit to Charlie Byrd, the guitarist. It was his idea to make this recording. He had been to Brazil on a good will tour and discovered Joao Gilberto's recordings and brought back several to the States. He had Stan listen to one or more and Stan was sold. Stan then got Creed Taylor at Verve to green light the project.And now 50 years later JAZZ SAMBA still lives. Both Getz and Byrd have gone on to their well-earned rewards, but this affectingly beautiful and daring recording is the reward they gave us to cherish and enjoy for more than the next 50 years!

Ristampa di qualità, la aspettavo da tempo e finalmente risiede nella mia collezione .

I think this is a must have for anyone who loves that unmistakeable Brazilian 'jazz samba' sound.

Brilliant album, love it. Great to hear it on vinyl too. If you are new to Jazz or a hardent fan this is a great album to start you off if to add to your collection. Supern recording, highly recommended listening.

This CD creates a certain mood, that develops the more often it is played.I am basking in it rather than critically picking out the playing, but it is a lovely recording.I discovered bossa nova from the Astrud Gilberto on Verve Jazz Masters, and this CD has not disappointed.

Brilliant, classic Jazz album. Recorded in 1962, i don't know why, or how i have never heard it before.