Joćo

Joao Gilberto | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 23, 1991)
• Original Release Date: July 23, 1991
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Polygram Records
• ASIN: B0000047BV
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #204,031 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #52 in Music > World Music > Latin Music > Brazilian > Tropicįlia

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

In the 1950s, by harnessing the exuberant power of samba in gently plucked rhythms and his soft, intimate whispering of the lyrics, guitarist-singer-songwriter João Gilberto helped launch a musical revolution. While not its most important composer, Gilberto became bossa nova's premier interpreter. João, recorded in 1991, features him and his guitar backed by an orchestra (arranged by Clare Fischer) and shows a master in complete control of his craft and his powers. He navigates the lyrics with impeccable diction and uncanny phrasing, heightening the drama by seemingly staying half a breath behind the beat then landing precisely on a particular word, for emphasis. He makes even Italian ("Malaga"), English (Cole Porter's "You Do Something to Me"), and French ("Que Reste-t-il de Nos Amours") sound like natural bossa nova languages. Gilberto's seductive style is smooth, casual, and deceptively easy on the ear; but even in a set with no classics, as this one, each of its miniatures seems to hide a reward to a closer listening. --Fernando Gonzalez

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The finest Gilberto ever!, November 4, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Joćo (Audio CD)

I'm brazilian and I grew listening to Gilberto's songs. But this CD is a masterpiece. Even one that's not used to his style of singing will be delighted as well as the familiar listener. The best track, in my opinion, is "Una Mujer"

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is a great CD...a sleeper, really, August 29, 2003

By 

"douglasnegley" (Pittsburgh, Pa. United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Joćo (Audio CD)

It should not suprise me that this CD is relatively uncovered by reviewers. In the best sense of the term, I would suggest that this is the definitive "Joao With Strings" recording of his later career. The recording of Joao's vocals and guitar are really well done, and Joao is singing perhaps as good as he ever has (has he ever not?). The real surprise here are the string arrangements done by Clare Fischer, who also handles the keyboard work. For the most part, the arrangements are complimentary and done much in the style of Jobim's early arranging work. Recorded in 1991, there are a few 'synth' tracks done by Fischer that work very well. One is a 'classical guitar' patch which serves as an intro, and it took a few seconds (and an audible 'attack' on the keyboard) before I realized that it was not Joao. My only regret about this CD is that the strings were added in L.A. after Joao had recorded his vocal and guitar in Rio. No, it isn't a sin and still works well, but truly working with an orchestra - the way Sinatra did - HAS to bring out the best of even the best. One of my favorite tracks is "Una Mujer", also.

11 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars BIG DISAPPOINTMENT, October 3, 2004

By 

Susan B. Brown "susanakame" (Pico Rivera, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Joćo (Audio CD)

What was Clare Fischer thinking when the strings were added separately without Joao being there? As a big fan of Bossa Nova and Joao's.... I was frustrated by listening to this CD. Did Clare Fischer even understand the quality of the music already recorded by Joao or that the listener would be struggling to hear more of just Joao without the "strings, etc.". There is a very definite beat to all Bossa Nova music which is being hidden by Clare Fischer's arrangements. Do yourself a favor and purchase another of Joao's CDs and skip this one unless you would rather hear strings interfering with the quality of the music already being played. I would like to recommend a better CD however I am still looking for one hence I will be returning this and purchasing another (without the interference of someone mucking up the artist's orginal vision.) If it were possible to give this NO stars... I would have!