João Gilberto
Biography
When talking about bossa nova, perhaps the signature pop music sound of Brazil, frequently the first name to come to one's lips is that of Antonio Carlos Jobim. With songs like "The Girl From Ipanema" and "Desafindo," Jobim pretty much set the standard for the creation of the bossa nova in the mid-'50s. However, as is often the case, others come along and take the genre in a new direction, reinventing through radical reinterpretation, be it lyrically, rhythmically, or in live performance, making the music theirs. And if Jobim gets credit for laying the foundation of bossa nova, then the genre was brilliantly reimagined (and, arguably, defined) by the singer/songwriter and guitarist João Gilberto. In his native country he is called O Mito (The Legend), a deserving nickname, for since he began recording in late '50s Gilberto, with his signature soft, near-whispering croon, set a standard few have equaled. . Born in 1931 in Juazeiro in the northeastern state of Brazil known as Bahia, Gilberto seemed obsessed with music almost from the moment he emerged from the womb. His grandfather bought him his first guitar at age 14 (much to the dismay of João's father). Within a year, the result of near constant practicing, he was the leader of a band made up of school friends. During this time Gilberto was absorbing the rhythmic subtlety of the Brazilian pop songs of the day, while also taking in the rich sounds of swing jazz (Duke Ellington and Tommy Dorsey), as well as the light opera singing of Jeanette MacDonald. At 18, Gilberto gave up on his small town life and headed to Bahia's largest city, Salvador, to get a foothold in the music industry performing on live radio shows. Although he was given the opportunity to sing, instant stardom was not in the offing, but his brief appearances on the radio brought him to the attention of Antonio Maria, who wanted Gilberto to become the lead singer for the popular radio band Garotos da Lua (Boys From the Moon) and move to Rio de Janeiro.
Top Albums |
1. 40 Sucessos ..
| 2. Getz/Gilbert..
| 3. Amorosó
| 4. João
| 5. João Voz e ..
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6. The Best of ..
| 7. João Gilber..
| 8. Getz / Gilbe..
| 9. Recorded In ..
| 10. In Tokyo
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11. The Warm Wor..
| 12. Chega de Sau..
| 13. Brasil (feat..
| 14. Tristeza de ..
| 15. O Barquinho
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16. Joao Gilbert..
| 17. Joao Gilbert..
| 18. João y Astr..
| 19. Getz /Gilber..
| 20. Corcovado
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Top Songs |
| Name | Album | Time | Price | |
1. | Girl from Ipanema | Astrud Gilberto's Fines.. | 5:22 | $1.29 | |
2. | Girl from Ipanema | Getz/Gilberto | 5:17 | $1.29 | |
3. | Girl from Ipanema (Single Version) | Astrud Gilberto: Gold | 2:46 | $1.29 | |
4. | Manha De Carnival | 40 Sucessos Da Bossa-Nova | 2:34 | $0.99 | |
5. | Samba De Una Nota So | 40 Sucessos Da Bossa-Nova | 1:40 | $0.99 | |
6. | Bim Bom | 40 Sucessos Da Bossa-Nova | 1:19 | $0.99 | |
7. | Desafinado | Brazil Brazil! | 4:15 | $0.99 | |
8. | Presente de Natal | O Barquinho | 1:52 | $0.99 | |
9. | O Barquinho | O Barquinho | 2:30 | $0.99 | |
10. | Saudade da Bahia | O Amor em Paz | 2:16 | $0.99 | |
11. | Trenzinho | O Amor em Paz | 1:49 | $0.99 | |
12. | Samba de Minha Terra | O Amor em Paz | 2:21 | $0.99 | |
13. | Este Seu Olhar | O Amor em Paz | 2:13 | $0.99 | |
14. | Primeira Vez | O Amor em Paz | 1:51 | $0.99 | |
15. | Você e Eu | O Amor em Paz | 2:30 | $0.99 | |
16. | Bolinha de Papel | O Amor em Paz | 1:18 | $0.99 | |
17. | Coisa Mais Linda | O Amor em Paz | 2:50 | $0.99 | |
18. | Insensatez | O Amor em Paz | 2:24 | $0.99 | |
19. | O Amor em Paz | O Amor em Paz | 2:21 | $0.99 | |
20. | Saudade Fez um Samba | For as Long as You Need Me | 1:47 | $0.99 | |
21. | Bim Bom | For as Long as You Need Me | 1:17 | $0.99 | |
22. | É Luxo Só | For as Long as You Need Me | 1:57 | $0.99 | |
23. | Desafinado | 100% Bossa Nova | 4:11 | $0.99 | |
24. | So em Teus Bracos | Brazilian Magic | 1:48 | $0.99 | |
25. | Coisa Mais Linda | Brazilian Magic | 2:51 | $0.99 | |