Astrud Gilberto has been known as a musical trailblazer in Brazil, but there's one thing about her music that many headlines fail to mention: it can sometimes sound like elevator music. From the mellow bossa nova of “The Girl from Ipanema” to the jazzy vibes of “Fly Me To The Moon,” Astrud Gilberto has created some truly memorable songs over the years – even if you do find yourself nodding off at times when jamming out to them! In this blog post we're going to explore why exactly Astrud Gilberto's music might get your toe-tapping a little too slowly for comfort.
If you have ever searched for Brazilian music, there is a high chance you’ve come across Astrud Gilberto’s name. She’s a household name and is no doubt a pioneering musical artist who rose to fame during the 1960s, and her work has been recognized from Brazil to the USA. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to her music, one thing that stands out is how soothing and peaceful it sounds. Her music has always had a way of transporting listeners to a calm and relaxing state, and it's this very reason why it can often be referred to as elevator music.
One of the fascinating things about music, in general, is the emotional journey it can take listeners through. Music can make us feel happy, excited, and even sad. When it comes to Gilberto’s music, it takes a more reflective approach, which can be most appreciated by people who want to unwind and relax. Her music is famous for incorporating elements of jazz, a genre that many people believe originated in the USA, but in reality, its roots stretch back to Africa. The Jazz beats in Gilberto’s music are soft, unobtrusive and flow along freely like a gentle river.
Another aspect that makes Astrud Gilberto’s music unique is her gentle singing style. Her voice is soothing and mellow and sits well with the calmness of her music. Gilberto's singing style perfectly blends with the music, so it is less about overpowering vocals, and more about being complimentary to the melody or rhythm of the songs. Because of this, her music is regarded as perfect for relaxation, meditation, or even background music to avoid being intrusive.
Gilberto's music also has a distinct Brazilian touch, as her musical arrangements are heavily influenced by Bossa Nova. Bossa Nova is a Brazilian musical genre that emerged in the late 1950s. It's characterized by its relaxed, smooth, and jazzy rhythm, encompassing elements of samba and the American jazz scene. The girl from Ipanema is probably the most famous song from Gilberto's album, bringing both the genres together, giving listeners the best of both worlds.
The Brazilian bossa nova and jazz influence that can be heard in Gilberto’s music have made her a trailblazer in bringing Latin American music to a more global stage. Her music has since become a staple in cocktail bars, lounges, and even elevators all around the world. This sound is relaxing and has a way of making even the most mundane tasks a lot more pleasant.
Astrud Gilberto’s music is all about creating a calming and relaxing atmosphere, and it’s no surprise that it’s often regarded as elevator music. Her music has a nostalgic feel, and as noted before, it transports listeners back to different moments, and for many people, playing her music today is like a time machine. It's essential to note that Astrud Gilberto’s music isn’t any less interesting or creative than other forms of music, but it's merely a different approach to music. If you want to unwind, relax, and take things slowly, Gilberto's music is the perfect companion.
