Verve Jazz Masters 9

Recored in New York, New York and Los Angeles, California between 1964 and 1966. Includes liner notes by Gene Lees. Astrud Gilberto's entry in the nicely appointed Verve Jazz Masters compilation series shows exactly why the Brazilian singer is deserving of such an accolade. In her '60s heyday, Gilberto was often derided by jazz purists for her vibrato-less "desafinado" (deliberately slightly off-pitch) singing style and deadpan, childlike voice. But the diminutive bossa nova star has since been a huge influence on dozens of jazz and pop singers. VERVE JAZZ MASTERS is less of a greatest hits package than it is a smartly balanced retrospective of many of Gilberto's best performances. Her biggest hits, "Call Me" and "Summer Samba," are not included, and her signature tune, "The Girl From Ipanema," is only represented by a live take from a 1964 Carnegie Hall concert. The collection places equal emphasis on Gilberto's bossa nova-style interpretations of jazz standards and on her signature Portuguese-language sambas. The smartly packaged CD also features remastered sound and several rare photographs. All tracks have been digitally remastered. This is part of the Verve Jazz Masters series. Personnel: Astrud Gilberto (vocals); Joao Gilberto, Antonio Carlos Jobim (vocals, guitar); Kenny Burrell (guitar); Bud Shank (flute, alto saxophone); Stan Getz (tenor saxophone); Johnny Coles, Stu Williamson (trumpet); Milt Bernhart, Urbie Green, Bob Brookmeyer (trombone); Gil Evans, Joao Donato (piano); Walter Wanderley (organ); Gary Burton (vibraphone); Grady Tate, Claudio Slon (drums); Bobby Rosengarden (percussion). Recording information: Carnegie Hall, NY (10/09/1964-09/21/1966); Los Angeles, CA (10/09/1964-09/21/1966). Photographer: Chuck Stewart. Arrangers: Claus Ogerman; Don Sebesky; Gil Evans; Al Cohn; Marty Paich. Personnel includes: Astrud Gilberto (vocals); Joao Gilberto, Antonio Carlos Jobim (vocals, guitar); Gil Evans (arranger, piano); Marty Paich, Don Sebesky, Claus Ogerman, Al Cohn (arranger, conductor); Bud Shank (alto saxophone, flute); Stan Getz (tenor saxophone); Joao Donato (piano); Kenny Burrell (guitar); Grady Tate (drums). Compilation producers: Michael Lang, Gene Lees.