João Gilberto Albums (18)
'Live at the 19th Montreux Jazz Festival'
Release Date 3/26/2007
Tracks 15
Label Bomba
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'In Tokyo'
Release Date 2/21/2004
Tracks 15
Label Universal Distribution
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What The Critics Say
In Tokyo is a straight parallel import of the Japanese disc of the same title. It is a solo concert recorded in 2003 with the Great One playing solo -- just the man, the voice, and the guitar, running through classics and lesser-known tunes from "Corcovado" and "Ligia" to "Bolhina de Papel" and "Wave." Thankfully, this a songwriter's set as much as it is a singer's, making for a gorgeous if sparse performance. This is as moving and beautiful as anything Gilberto has ever recorded live, and because of its stunningly warm and intimate sound, it's better than most offerings of the ao vivo variety. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Guitarist/vocalist Joao Gilberto is credited with being the originator of the bossa nova, due to his 1950s affiliation with songwriter Antonio Carlos Jobim. Hence, the rest is history. While this recording captures his genius via a solo perfomance at Italy's "Umbria Jazz" festival in 1996. His easily identifiable sound is intact here, as Gilberto delves into fourteen pieces, composed by Jobim and others. The artist's wistful, hush-toned vocals and rhythmically charged acoustic guitar work just reaffirms his significance in modern music. He typifies the coolness of Brazil amid his relatively toe-tapping pulses and contrasting melodic interludes. Part of the beauty, resides within his often-lilting harmonic structures, deterministic sense of purpose and understated themes. Gilberto's sensual demeanor and calming celebration of life hits the mark in a huge way, largely due to his effortless mode of execution and inspiring musical persona. ~ Glenn Astarita, All Music Guide
'João Voz e Violão'
Release Date 2/18/2000
Tracks 10
Label Universal Distribution
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What The Critics Say
Much to the regret of his fans, Joao Gilberto did little recording in the 1990s. But he makes a triumphant return to the studio with his 2000 release Joao Voz e Violao, the bossa nova icon's first album since 1992's João. This time, Gilberto doesn't do anything slick; there are no keyboards or strings, and he steers clear of overdubbing. Gilberto, in fact, has no band; he accompanies himself on acoustic guitar, singing and playing in real time and keeping things delightfully intimate. While the CD isn't overly ambitious, Joao Voz e Violao isn't the predictable affair that it could have easily become. It isn't hard to envision an A&R guy urging him to record an album of nothing but Antonio Carlos Jobim and bossa nova standards that have been done to death over the years, but Gilberto, to his credit, doesn't inundate listeners with obvious choices. Yes, he revisits "Chega de Saudade" and "Desafinado," but he also turns his attention to Brazilian composers who range from Caetano Veloso ("Caracao Vagabundo") and Gilberto Gil ("Eu Vim da Bahia") to Ernesto Lecuona ("Eclipse") and Bororó ("Da Cor do Pecado"). Gilberto turned 68 in June 1999, and on Joao Voz e Violao, his delicate, caressing voice continues to hold up nicely. Produced by Caetano Veloso, this CD is a welcome addition to Gilberto's catalog. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
'Farolito: Live in Mexico'
Release Date 2/15/1999
Tracks 11
Label Records
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'Prado Pereira de Oliveira'
Release Date 1/26/1999
Tracks 13
Label WEA International
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