Getz/Gilberto

I bought this album according to Amazon three Christmases ago and it's still on regular rotation three years later. An absolute timeless classic of bossa nova / jazz.

Lovely album and just right for a warm summer evening, Stan Getz and the Gilbertos' never disappoint. I am not anti CD or SACD and have only purchased the Vinyl version so cannot comment on the digital releases. The Vinyl album has a very intimate small venue feel to it, it is my understanding the original 1964 release was recorded with RIAA equalisation. I am not clear whether this release has been reprocessed in any way, however, initially I found the music sounded a little compressed high frequency wise but when switched to NARTB equalisation the music had a lift in the top end which made for a more balanced sound. I don't know if this was just me or my equipment but it was more easy flowing. Still sounds good on a standard system setting even so. It's a great album and am glad I purchased it.

Every track is a masterpiece and masterclass in Sax playing. Stan Getz was born to play these tunes. Mr Gilberto adds that smooth Latino vocal that wraps it all up in a cosy blanket of musicality. One of the best albums I've ever purchased and would recommend you add it to your collection.

Great album.

A classic. Will last forever. The mono versions are superb.

Review of the Verve 2014 Stereo and Mono versions The stereo sound stage and imaging is outstanding and aids in creating a very warm intimate atmospheric recording. The recording has stood the test of time very well and sounds as if the musicians recorded it recently. This is perhaps a tribute to the re-mastering engineers. The mono versions are worth having as they bring a very different perspective to the depth and sound stage. The mono mix sounds even richer than the stereo version. Both versions are very good, just different. I have not set out to write reviews of the music content as “beauty is in the ears of the listener”. These reviews are about the quality (or not) of the recorded sound. To read about how the reviews are done please see my profile. • Clarity – very good, open and detailed • Channel separation – very good left and right channel separation. • Channel balance – excellent a superb mix which creates a truly great sound stage • Sound Stage – excellent, very wide and detailed, instruments and musicians very well placed. This is an outstanding sound stage very warm and enticing. • Distortion – non audible • Compression – no frequency limitation audible • Atmosphere – spectacular, very warm and intimate. Personal enhanced by the stunning sound stage and warmth of the playing. The details are to revel in, or even wallow! • Bass – low frequencies – the drums are crisp and clear, the cymbals shimmer without being over bright and brittle. The double bass has a warm sensuous tone and the strings are clearly audible with good decay. Overall the bass is deep and rich. • Treble – high frequencies – the piano is well balanced with good tone and note decay. The brass has a good punch and edge. The warm softness of the saxophone is beautifully captured. The breathy edginess is entrancing • Vocals – warm, intimate, personal soft. Both male and female vocals have good timbre. As a general rule of thumb recordings from the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s are nearly always better on the original vinyl. Remasters often fail to please as it’s just not possible to make a silk purse from a sows ear, i.e. the original recording lacks the necessary detail to be processed digitally and show an audible improvement. Indeed such processing can make the sound worse. Modern recordings which have been processed digitally from start to finish can be as good as vinyl. CD’s are often unfairly criticised for being poor quality. This is not the case, it is the original recording or the process which is to blame. Modern “remasters” can both enhance and degrade a recording. The statement GIGO (Garbage In Garbage Out) is the limiting factor. Ignore this at your cost.

the best!!

Hello there, I had heard this album mentioned a few times, even in connection with Nick Drake who enjoyed listening to it. So I took a chance, and yes I like it, towards the late 60's this style influenced a lot of musicians and it still sounds fresh, so enjoy this album, add an important variety to your record collection. Deano.

Just buy it. You won’t regret.

Gute Qualität /Aufnahme !

Top kwaliteit. Nostalgie. Heel mooie muziek! Heel tevreden.

beautiful!

Guys this is the best Bossa Nova that exists. While Jazz was undergoing a decay, Getz came up with his Brazilian friends to come up with this beautiful sounding, subtle music. I can't explain it, just listen to it and decide for yourself. The recording, especially the stereo master, is top drawer.