Verve Records / Spain / RE 2022 / Lp, Limited Edition, Remastered, Special Edition
Astrud Gilberto’s Beach Samba (1967) album for Verve highlights her signature ethereal, playful voice through a collection of laid-back bossa nova tracks, arranged by Eumir Deodato and Don Sebesky. The album features smooth orchestration that blends Brazilian and American pop influences, with notable musicians like Ron Carter, Toots Thielemans, Marcos Valle, and Claudio Slon. Standout tracks include the inviting opener “Stay,” the breezy “Beach Samba,” and “Canoeiro,” which sways with a captivating rhythm. A particularly charming moment is Gilberto’s duet with her six-year-old son on “You Didn’t Have to Be So Nice.” Tim Hardin’s “Misty Roses” adds a memorable pop touch to this beautifully arranged, beachy album.