Getz / Gilberto is easily the most well-known album in the United States to feature the Brazilian legend. The large non-Brazilian popularity in comparison to the rest of João Gilberto's fantastic discography has much to do with the fact that this album has the definitive English version of the most popular bossa nova song, "The Girl From Ipanema". "The Girl From Ipanema" has an iconic performance from Astrud Gilberto, who pops up again for another arguably definitive performance on "Corcovado". Like "Corcovado", every song of Getz / Gilberto is a Brazilian standard, the majority being composed by Antonio Carlos Jobim with lyrics from Vinicius de Moraes. Stan Getz' playing is not at its most adventurous here, but it doesn't have to be. The smooth saxophonist does a great job of complementing Gilberto's genre-defining bossa nova guitar, and if that wasn't enough, Jobim himself drops in to play piano occasionally. Everything is delicate and beautifully played and every musician involved is a master of the hypnotizingly light bossa nova style. This album is a perfect gateway to the rest of Gilberto's excellent work and bossa nova in general. Getz / Gilberto is essentially listening for anyone who has ever wanted a laid back jazz record.
