Customer Reviews

Joao

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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"

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.

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!

Clare Fischer's lush arrangements and orchestrations are stunning. The variety of ensembles and sophisticated harmonies, combined with Gilberto's cool singing style, phrasing, and signature guitar syncopations make this one of the greatest recording projects of all time. There are many criteria one can use to divide people into groups: who likes to watch sports, and who doesn't; who "gets" rubber stamps, and who doesn't, etc. This album has become one of my litmus tests. I play it for people without letting them know what is at stake. Those who don't pay attention and talk over it I are put into the group of people with whom I can be polite, but will probably never become close with. Those whose eyes pop out and mouths drop in amazement over the gorgeousness of the tracks are inducted into my inner circle of music soul mates.

First this album really kicks off with a winner of a tune. It's fresh all-around Joao Gilberto to me. I am enjoying this album very much although I am new to listening to the Latin scene. I enjoy the arrangements very much but some have stated they get in the way. I understand this but it's nice to have a fresh take on an original artist.

I loved this album from the first listen. I understand that some hardcore Joao fans might wanna hear more of just his voice, but I for one LOVE the orchestration, and think it only enchances the music, and his voice is still very present and can be heard perfectly - however, i do think they could have cut down on the intros to the songs, the strings play for like 40 seconds before the beat and Joao comes in, but thankfully not on all of the songs. Some songs are fast some are very slow but this album is just a beautiful experience, and the orchestration just adds more layers and depth to it so you hear new sounds every time you listen. I bought this album after seeing the video for "Sampa" on YouTube. "Palpite Infeliz"/"Unhappy Remark" is awsome and is probably my fave song. If you're a Joao fan, get this album. It's different but wonderful. To me it's like a different, perhaps more personal look at this great muscician.

This record does a great disservice to the artistry of Joao Gilberto as the orchestral arrangement is not only maudlin but also clashes with the artist's performance. It feels as if the producer decided that Gilberto's performance is too subtle and needs to be dumbed down. No -- a great artist like Gilberto does not need the *help* of an arranger.

This recording should be deleted from the catalogue. I agree with the previous reviewer -- I would give it a rating of ZERO if I could.