Tom Jobim and João Gilberto

Tom Jobim, was a Brazilian songwriter, composer, singer, and pianist/guitarist. Jobim is celebrated in Brazil and acknowledged elsewhere as one of the most popular composers of the 20th century. His songs have been performed by many singers and instrumentalists internationally. João Gilberto performed Jobim's songs and is considered the co-creator of  the bossa nova style.

In 1961, Charlie Byrd was playing a jazz tour of Latin America and discovered Gilberto and  Tom Jobim. On his return to the US, he played João’s records for saxophonist friend, Stan Getz, and Latin music came to America.

Getz and Byrd’ recorded Jazz Samba in 1962 which  spent 70 weeks on the pop charts. Later, Getz recorded four more Getz bossa nova albums, including the Getz/Gilberto album in 1964 with João, his wife, Astrud, and Tom Jobim.  A hit song “The Girl of Ipanema” remains popular today. It was the debut of Astrud Gilberto who had never before performed professionally. Astrud remained in the US, continuing  with a successful music career after divorcing João in 1965. 

I have arranged  and recorded:

How Insensitive  and the Gentle Rain