Astrud Gilberto: she's a carioca

The 1960s and Bossa Nova ... was anything cooler than the voice of Astrud Gilberto? I have 37 of her songs on my iPod, they are ideal summer sounds, but hey, I can listen to Asturd (born 1940) any day, like Sade she is timeless, and a contrast to those big soul singers. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJkxFhFRFDA

We dig hits like her original vocal on "The Girl From Ipanema" on that Getz/Gilberto album which started the Bossa Nova and Samba crazes back in the '60s - she was suddenly the voice of Rio de Janeiro, Bahia, and Brazil. She also recorded a lot of Antonio Carlos Jobim titles. "She's a Carioca", "Felicidade", "Beach Samba", "How Insensitive", "Bim Bom", "Dindi", "The Shadow of your Smile", "Quiet Nights" and others are all laid-back treats as Astrud delivers in that very individual voice of hers. Lots of her albums are still available and there are several good compilations. Treat yourself to some summer sounds in mid-winter. 

Next music:  The Yardbirds !