Released in 1964, the father of Brazilian bossa nova João Gilberto and famous American saxophonist Stan Getz collaborated to create an album that impacted bossa nova and jazz altogether: “Getz/Gilberto.” The album speaks on themes like love and the small joys of living such as viewing the skyline of Rio de Janeiro, Ipanema and Corcovado.
While bossa nova has changed throughout the years, its style is straightforward. The genre stems from Brazilian samba and utilizes soft chords to emphasize melody over percussion. Despite its lack of percussion, forms of guitar strums mimic the sounds and patterns of drum beats. Getz and Gilberto added an occidental twist to this influential record by accompanying tracks with saxophone as well as English lyrics.
The most popular song on the album, “The Girl from Ipanema,” was immensely successful, winning a Grammy for Record of The Year in 1964. The guitarist and saxophonist are accompanied by Astrud Gilberto, who beautifully sings an English chorus, and composer Antonio Carlos Jobim, another constant feature in the record. The album version of the song is in Portuguese and English, but the album’s radio version is only in English. The English version has sold over 2 million copies, demonstrating the western popularity of the hit song. “The Girl From Ipanema” has themes of love and yearning — talking about a man who is in love with a woman, but can do nothing but smile to confess his love and wait for the woman to notice. It is a beautifully written song that has become an iconic theme internationally.
“Corcovado,” references the mountain holding the well-known statue of Christ The Redeemer, which is also mentioned in the track. The song has the album’s repeating themes of love and happiness.. The narrator explains how prior to meeting their partner, life felt sorrowful and uncontent. But when together, there is calm and happiness alongside the rich landscape of Rio de Janeiro.. The track is relaxing, with its consistent bossa nova style; however, the song also provides a saxophone and piano solo that give it an audible hint of romance. The instrumental manner of the song presents the same feeling it is meant to convey; calmness and joy.
While varying sources debate the first bossa nova album, the candidates are J. Gilberto’s “Chega de Saudade” or Elizeth Cardoso’s “Cancao de Amor Demais,” in which J. Gilberto also wrote guitar for. Regardless, both albums embody the first whispers of what would become a worldwide sensation. In “Getz/Gilberto,” there is a notable shift in the genre with its addition to saxophone, something that was not heard in the previously mentioned records.
“Getz/Gilberto’s” impact was incredible, shaping what bossa nova would be in later years. This album is a classic, romantic ode to love and Brazil, all while internationally captivating audiences, carrying songs for generations.
