I have to agree with you wholeheartedly. In the mid 60s period, I was quite taken with the Brazilian sound as engendered by the music of Jobim and some others such as Astrud's husband. I agree with you in regard to Astrud's voice, as not being the best. But the soft airiness of her sound lent itself to those songs as though the songs had been waiting for her interpretation of those lyrics. I particularly love her recording of "Dreamer". I don't know if you are familiar with the singer, Basia. Although she is Polish, much of her music has a Brazilian sound to me. She even has one song called "Astrud" a tribute to Gilberto.
I also was very into Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66 and their later incarnations. As you point out they, like Kenny covered several Beatles tunes, my favorites being "Fool on the Hill" and "Daytripper". But they also did some great covers of Stevie Wonder tunes and their version of the Johnny Winter song "Tell Me in a Whisper" on one of their later LPs is among my favorites. But truly, picking a favorite Mendes tune or a favorite song by Kenny is silly. I generally love it all. I've enjoyed sharing this back and forth with you. Always keep that good music alive and plying.
George
>George >The art of music is quite fascinating; the genre, Bossa Nova as you refer to it, but certainly it involves a greater expanse than that, was embodied in the albums of Astrud Gilberto. By most standards, she did not have a superb voice; yet for me, and many others, her style was such that she communciated the music of Brazil, the essence, so skillfully.......yet so simply......... > >They say 'less is more' and that is often true.........if you examine most of Kenny's vocals, and their arrangements, it would seem he adheres to that axiom.....and it strengthens his performance, 'simply' singing a song, a little jazz riff here and there......effortlessly.....a little scat.......... > >BSN > > > >At 20:52:20 PST on 02-19-07, courtdude wrote: > >>At 07:02:41 PST on 02-19-07, Kenny wrote: >>Kenny, >> >>It has been a long time since I have posted on the Forum. Ever since 1962 when I first heard Getz & byrd's "Desifinado" I have been a big fan of the genre commonly known as "Bossa Nova", but specifically the songs of Jobim. As a long time fan of yours I have often wondered why you haven't done a CD of just his music. I would certainly love to hear you wrap your fantastic vocal instrument around songs such as "Trieste", "Dindi", "Wave", "Agua de Beber" and on and on. I have loved ecerything you have done, but I found the "Here in my Heart" CD with its obvious Brazilian influence particularly to my liking. I especially thought the Rosa Passos vocals added a sensuality to the CD that was palpable. I am hoping that someday in the future you will record a whole host of Jobim's music. >> >>Sincerely, >>George > >
