I can almost say now, without doubt, that Stan Getz’s The Best of Two Worlds is my favorite jazz album. It is not because the songs all that groundbreaking, it isn’t because the musicality is jawdropping. The Best of Two Worlds is just a very enjoyable CD, from start to finish.
Stan Getz (saxophone) and João Gilberto (guitar) is a match made in heaven. While Stan is playing his tender, soothing sax, João is playing these wonderful, light guitar chords that add a delightful element to the songs.
Stan Getz works with the bossa nova style in this CD, taking it to a new level. This CD is all about the atmosphere. There are the short little piano bits put in with the constant guitar and Latin drumming. João’s hypnotic Portuguese vocals take command until it is time for Stan’s solo.
The vocal work on Best of Two Worlds is phenomenal. João has a soft, not quite deep voice which fits perfectly with his guitar chords and the minimal drums. When he stops singing, the cymbals come in, then Stan starts playing saxophone. However, equally important vocally is Heloisa (Miucha) Buarque De Hollanda, João’s wife. Her English vocals switch off with João’s beautiful Portuguese vocals. She lists off verses in an amazingly soothing manner, creating a perfectly chilled mood.
The formula is rather simple, and for the most part repeated throughout the entire CD. Yet it is a very good formula, which works almost every time. Unfortunately, it makes talking about songs individually rather challenging. This is a CD to put on the stereo when you and your friends feel like being classy. It’s the best bossa nova I’ve heard, my favorite jazz to listen to, and one of my favorite CDs in general. While it can get repetitive, it’s always beautiful and light.
Recommended Tracks: Águas De Março (Waters of March), Isaura, Just One of Those Things
