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Wednesday Jazz Classic: Everyone is no doubt posting and sharing “The Girl from Ipanema,” the iconic bossa hit, as they remember the singer, Astrud Gilberto, who passed away yesterday at 83. However, just for something different, here is the jazz/bossa classic “Corcovado (“Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars”) released from the same groundbreaking album “Getz/Gilberto”, released in March 1964. Artists Stan Getz · João Gilberto · Astrud Gilberto · Antonio Carlos Jobim (also the song’s composer) all playing and singing here on “Corcovado.”

The album “Getz/Gilberto” is on all the lists of most important albums of all time, with multiple grammy wins and global acclaim at the time launching attention to bossa everywhere and certainly, Astrud Gilberto’s career.

For more on this iconic Bossa album:

https://www.allmusic.com/album/getz-gilberto-mw0000649528

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1.“The Girl from Ipanema“Antônio Carlos Jobim, Vinicius de Moraes, Norman Gimbel5:21
2.“Doralice”Antônio Almeida, Dorival Caymmi2:47
3.“Para Machucar Meu Coração”Ary Barroso5:07
4.“Desafinado”Antônio Carlos Jobim, Newton Mendonça4:09
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1.“Corcovado (Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars)“Antônio Carlos Jobim, Gene Lees4:17
2.“Só Danço Samba”Antônio Carlos Jobim, Vinicius de Moraes3:42
3.“O Grande Amor”Antônio Carlos Jobim, Vinicius de Moraes5:27
4.“Vivo Sonhando”Antônio Carlos Jobim2:56
Total length:33:46
No.TitleLength
9.“The Girl from Ipanema” (45 rpm version)2:54
10.“Corcovado (Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars)” (45 rpm version)2:20
Total length:39:00

Personnel

  • Stan Getz – tenor saxophone
  • João Gilberto – guitar, vocals
  • Antônio Carlos Jobim – piano
  • Sebastião Neto – double bass
  • Milton Banana – drums, pandeiro
  • Astrud Gilberto – vocals on “The Girl from Ipanema”, “Corcovado”, “The Girl from Ipanema” (45 rpm issue) and “Corcovado” (45 rpm issue)

For more on iconic Bossa artist, Astrud Gilberto:

New York Times article gifted to you: Astrud Gilberto, 83, Dies; Shot to Fame With ‘The Girl From Ipanema’

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More of our Wednesday Jazz Classics:

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“Call out the Mommies”

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers! Everyone has one.

No one would be here without a mommy!

Remember your mom this Mother’s Day and thank her!

An original song performed live by Susan LaVelle and Matt Dorland.

Of course, not everyone has had a great experience in childhood. Some mommies don’t live up to our expectations. Some fail the expectations that we have a right to expect, as children. However, it still must be said that if you were born and are alive, a woman went through the whole entire 9-month process of bearing you, then giving birth to you with the physical duress that comes with childbirth. That is just by itself, an amazing feat of selflessness.

Very few of us have only that act to thank our mothers for, but even so, just that act shows a terrific commitment of a woman’s time, health, and effort.

This mother’s perspective:

I am a mom and wrote the lyrics of this song when my kids were all between the ages of about 12 and 6. I knew how much work it was myself, with four kids of my own. But I also knew other moms that didn’t have the support of a good dad to help them. Aside from the actual effort and labor of bearing and giving birth, many moms carry that larger load of care for children and also, their aging parents.

These actions are done out of love and actually makes these women into super heroes. Not the characters-of-comic-books type of super heroes, but super heroes of character. Not perfect, but givers, who out of love and the duty of responsible maturity sacrifice their own wishes to meet the needs of those who are dependent upon them. Who but mommies could better define what it means to be a mature adult?

I found this definition of the word, “maturity” : “Maturity is not a matter of age, but instead, of how you choose to respond and react to various life situations. It is essentially a level of mental development or wisdom that has a bearing on all areas of an individual’s life, right from their conduct to their relationship with others.” * The process of motherhood is a crash course in developing this kind of maturity.

The song, “Call Out the Mommies” was written to call out for recognition this frequently overlooked group of women without whom, no one would exist.

When I entered mommy-hood, I had no clue what was ahead of me and might have been scared off if I had, but along with most mommies out there, I feel like my children are the best thing about life. I made my mommie a grandmommie and I know that also was the best part of her life.

Susan LaVelle

Mommies become grammas: Two grammas holding baby in hospital.
Two mommies now grammas: holding grandbaby in the hospital.

*https://tinyurl.com/defintionofmaturity

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“Silence”

This song and message is so important that we wanted to make sure you could easily find and share the link to our video on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon.

From Susan: I knew a day or two after the murder of George Floyd that I would write a song with the title, “Silence.” I knew that we all needed do our part to find a voice, not silence, in the wake of this horrible deed.

I just knew it, but was not ready to do so until I had better processed the happenings in Minneapolis and the additional video footage of unjust actions toward African Americans that began to surface in the months afterward. Everyone knew that George Floyd was not the first, but because passersby had recorded those 9 minutes, 29 seconds on their cell phones and began to share it on Social Media, this murder was captured and captured us.

At that point, we started to see videos surface of previous murders of innocent African Americans, some of which were more than a year old, where no one had been held accountable. The wrongness of this was so obvious, we can only hope that a true wave of accountability has been started; at least, the public has phones in hand to record and publish what they see.

We need a voice not silence.

The video footage at the George Floyd Memorial site at 38th and Chicago in Minneapolis, captured by Susan in December of 2020 as she walked to the site and filmed everything she saw there, shows chalk drawings and sayings, mementos and memorials from adults, families, and children. Much of what was found there that day was ephemeral, due to the elements of weather and time. The footage in this video is an unrepeatable moment in time, expressing the shock and grief of the neighborhood and world. But the video captured goes so beautifully with the song. 

We want to continue to reach others with this song. We have posted it on our streaming platforms (see links above), submitted it to the Tiny Desk Contest, and shared it on our Social Media sites and to our email list, the Just a Touch of Jazz Insiders.

Would you click through, watch, and listen to “Silence”?

Would you share it with your friends on Social media? https://youtu.be/X7wagwJGHmc?t=1868

We truly need a voice and not silence.

"We need a voice not silence" Lyrics from the original song, Silence by Just a Touch of Jazz's Susan LaVelle & Matt Dorland. Image of George Floyd taken by Susan LaVelle, Dec 2020.

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Wednesday Jazz Classics shared this eclectic group of jazz, soul, blues, and R & B performers! Queen Latifa, Art Tatum, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and Tony Bennett and Bill Evans Trio in Sept 2022! Click the links to hear the music on YouTube!

  • “I’m Gonna Live Until I Die” Queen Latifah 11/2/22
    • Songwriters: Mann Curtis, Walter Kent, Al Hoffman
    • From “Trav’lin’ Light” Released on: 2007-09-25
  • “Moonglow” Art Tatum recorded October 1934 11/9/22
    • Songwriters: Will Hudson, Irving Mills
    • Art Tatum Solo Masterpieces Vol. 1 song, released 1955 
  • “Here’s to the Band” Frank Sinatra 11/16/22
    • Songwriters: Sharman Howe, Alfred Nittoli, Artie Schroeck
    • Here’s To The Band (Live At Royal Albert Hall / 1984), The Reprise Collection (1990), The Complete Reprise Studio Recordings (1995), Sinatra Saga, Vol. 2 (1994)
  • “Georgia” Ray Charles at Montreux 1997 11/23/22
    • Songwriters: Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell
    • Ray Charles, vocals and piano, orchestra, led by sax player Al Jackson,  The Raelettes.
  • “A Child is Born” Tony Bennett and Bill Evans 11/30/22
    • Songwriters: Thad Jones, Alec Wilder
    • “Together Again, Released on: 1977-01-01
    • Tony Bennett, vocals, Bill Evans, piano,
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Tips for Just a Touch of Jazz? Yes you can!

A tip for Just a Touch of Jazz? Matt and Susan's selfie in the golden mirror at Melody's Piano Bar, NYC

A gift via our secure donation page helps us make plans to record and release our original music. Set up convenient automatic monthly payments and you won’t have to think about it again! A monthly gift of $5 comes out to about 16 cents a day. That’s not a lot for most of us, but these gifts add up and help us cover the cost of recording, releasing, and distributing our music. Plus, extra benefits await those who choose a monthly automatic payment! You can use PayPal or most major credit cards, here.

Your credit card donation/tips for Just a Touch of Jazz will show as from “Stripe,” our secure credit card service, Don’t be surprised if you see “Stripe” on your credit card receipt. “Stripe” is one of the premier online credit card processors.

We have many original songs to record, release, and distribute and you can be a part of it! Are you part of our Just a Touch of Jazz Insiders’ Community? Subscribe now for updates, music, contests, and more that only our insiders get.

Thanks for believing in us and for your support! 💕 Susan & Matt

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Wednesday Jazz Classics shared classic Latin jazz guitar with a lost concert from greats, Al Di Meola, Paco De Lucia , John McLaughlin, as well as a well-known TV theme made popular by Sarah Vaughan, and remembered Isaak Hayes in South Lake Tahoe, live, and a Halloween-themed hit by Frank Sinatra—all in Oct 2022!

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  • “Tres Hermanos” Jazz Fusion Latin Guitar Trio  10/5/22
  • “(Bye Bye) Theme from ‘Peter Gunn’” Sarah Vaughan 10/12/22
    • Composer: Henri Mancini Lyricists: Jay Livingston and Ray Evans 
    • Song with lyrics, first recorded in 1965 by Sarah Vaughan for Sarah Vaughan Sings the Mancini Songbook.
    • Producer: Quincy Jones
    • Associated  Performer, Recording  Arranger, Conductor: Bill Holman
  • “Ain’t No Sunshine” Isaac Hayes, from “Live at the Sahara Tahoe” released 1973 10/19/22
    • Songwriter: Bill Withers
    • Recorded live on November 26, 1972
  • “Old Black Magic” Frank Sinatra 10/26/22
    • Songwriters: Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer
    • “Come Swing With Me!”  1999 Capitol Records, LLC Released on: 1961-08-01
    • Billy May Orchestra
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    Wednesday Jazz Classics shared Sarah Vaughan, Ramsey Lewis Trio, Chet Baker, and Bill Evans Trio in Sept 2022! Click the links to hear the music on YouTube!

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    • “Misty” Sarah Vaughan 9/7/2022
      • Songwriters: Johnny Burke, Erroll Garner.
      • Kirk Stuart, piano, Charles “Buster” Williams, bass, and Georges Hughes, drums.  
      • Recorded in Sweden, 1964.  (Mercury Records)
    • “Summer Breeze” Ramsey Lewis Trio 1973  9/14/2022
      • Songwriters: Jim Seals, Dash Crofts 
      • Ramsey Lewis, electric piano, Morris Jennings drums, Cleveland Eaton bass,
      • Ramsey Lewis Trio 1973 from a German TV program performance 
    • “Autumn Leaves” Chet Baker 9/21/2022 
      • Songwriters Johnny Mercer, Jacques Prévert, Joseph Kosma“
      • Bob James, piano, Steve Gadd, drums
      • “This Is Jazz #2” ℗ 1974 SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
    • “Stairway to the Stars” Bill Evans Trio 1962  9/28/22
      • Songwriters: Matty Malneck and Frank Signorelli, Mitchell Parish
      • Bill Evans, piano, Scott LaFaro, bass, Paul Molian, drums

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    Wednesday Jazz Classics shared Johnny O’Neal, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Michel Legrand with Stephane Grapelli in Aug 2022! Click the link to hear on YouTube!

    • “Oh Lady Be Good” Charlie Parker 8/3/22
      • Oh, Lady, Be Good! (Live At Philharmonic Auditorium, Los Angeles / 1946) · Charlie Parker · Lester Young
      • “Bird: The Complete Charlie Parker”  ℗ A Verve Label Group Release; ℗ 1955 UMG Recordings, Inc. Released on: 1990-10-25
      • Trumpet: Al Killian, Howard McGhee
      • Saxophone: Willie Smith, Lester Young
      • Piano: Arnold Ross
      • Double  Bass: Billy Hadnott
      • Drums: Lee Young
      • Song written by Ira and George Gershwin
    • “How High the Moon” Stephane Grapelli and Michel Legrand in London 8/10/22
      • Stephan Grappelli – Violin
      • Michel Legrand – Piano
      • Recorded – Royal Festival Hall, London, on 7th November 1984
    • “With You I’m Born Again” Johnny O’Neal,
      • Songwriters: Carol Connors / David Shire 8/17/22
      • Live At Smalls / Record live at Smalls Jazz Club, New York, June 16, 2013.
        • Johnny O’Neal (p)
        • Paul Sikivie (b)
        • Charles Goold (ds)
    • “A Night in Tunisia” Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker 8/24/2022
      • Song Written by Frank Paparelli, Dizzy Gillespie
      • Instrumental First recorded on September 29, 1947
      • Released: “Diz ‘n’ Bird in Concert“ Album 1959

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    “There is freedom waiting for you on the breezes of the sky. And you ask ‘What if I fall?’ Oh but my darling, What if you fly?”

    The message on the pillow in Susan’s AirBnB was so pertinent to her life! What a great trip and a great opportunity!

    Visit to NYC icon for Just a Touch of Jazz
    Visit to NYC pillow at the AirBnB
    Visit to NYC table set at Mimi's Italian Restaurant
    Visit to NYC larger view of dining room at Mimi's Italian Restaurant
    Visit to NYC sitting at table at Mimi's Italian Restaurant Susan and friend Jeb
    visit to NYC Matt Dorland and Jeb Caldwell at Mimi's Italian restaurant
    Piano keys at Mimi's waiting for Matt to play
    View of Mimi's from the perspective of the performers
    Matt and Susan from a hill in Central Park, announcing the winners of the mug contest
    A view of the hill they climbed to make the mug announcement in Central Park
    Jazz Combo busking in Central Park
    Susan singing in Central Park with the jazz combo
    Susan and bass player from jazz combo performing in Central park
    Matt and Susan outside of Gallagher's restaurant
    Matt took this pic of Susan at Washington Square Park, NYC
    During a break in his performance, Susan got a pic with Johnny O'Neal at Arthur's Tavern
    Susan with Rockefeller Plaza behind her
    Susan with the Empire State Building behind her
    Matt snaps a shot with Susan in the golden mirror at Melody's Piano Bar
    Susan's big yawn waiting to go home at LaGuardia about 4 am.
    Picture of Manhattan from the plane, Susan going back to Minneapolis

    Susan visits NYC!

    Performing with Matt

    These pictures tell the story of Susan’s visit to NYC pretty well! After landing at LaGuardia from Minneapolis, Susan took a Lyft to her AirBnB on the Upper East Side, walked up the five floors—suitcase in hand—and so began a great week in Manhattan! The next day, Matt had reserved a practice room in the Times Square area. Susan and Matt rehearsed the songs to perform at Mimi’s Italian Restaurant.

    That night, they grabbed supper at Mimi’s and met Susan’s friend Jeb, who came out to hear the performance. Lots of good vibes and response for original songs. And when the next day, Matt and Susan went over to Central Park, they climbed the highest hill with the Manhattan skyline in the background to announce the winner of our mug contest. The specially designed mug for the contest—our “Big-Apple. Mini-apple mug”—is for sale in our shop ($16 with free shipping).

    Performing in Central Park

    Afterwards, in the afternoon, Susan strolled through Central Park by herself and sat down to watch a jazz combo busking. When they took a break, she interacted with the bass player who asked why she was in NYC. At that point, the conversation turned to jazz singing and performance. The bass player chatted with the rest of the band and they decided to invite her to sing with them.

    So, fun! Dream come true–performing jazz with a combo in Central Park! And the smiles on the band members faces and those of the people in the crowd told Susan that it went very well. Plus, it just so happened that a retired professional photographer was out shooting in the park that day, so he caught some great pics of the band, asked for Susan’s email, and sent her links to download the pics. More fun! Never expected that this visit of Susan’s to NYC would include a performance in Central Park.

    Susan’s great visit to NYC

    Lots of good food, great coffee, wine, rides on subways, music, and tens of thousands of steps on her Fitbit! Took in a show of Johnny O’Neal at Arthur’s Tavern. Steaks at Gallaghers. Pretended to be able to afford Ralph Lauren! Lots of fun! The last thing that Susan did on her visit to NYC was to watch Matt perform his sets at Melody’s Piano Bar. That’s where you can catch his weekly performance at Melody’s 1020 Lexington Ave. Easy to get to and great craft cocktails, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and a nice atmosphere. If you are in town, be sure to find out when Matt is performing and when you do, let Matt know you are there and that you learned about it here!

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    “It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing”

    It’s Wednesday! Your classic jazz groove for this week! Queen Ella and the Duke at the Cote d’Azur (Live at the Riviera)! Duke Ellington and Ella Fitgerald recorded live at the Jazz à Juan festival at Juan-les-Pins, on the French Riviera, between June 26 and July 29, 1966. Duke Ellington’s orchestra with one of Ella’s most brilliant scats! This song—and whole album—reminds you of why you love live music!

    Check back every Wednesday for a new recommendation from Susan or Matt on a classic performance from jazz greats! You can also check for the video links on our Facebook page, so follow us there or search through our posts for past selections.

    Previous selections

    “Blue in Green” Miles Davis & Bill Evans

    Classic Wednesday Jazz—when you feel “Blue in Green”; posted on FB July 20, 2022

    Most people agree now that the song was written by Bill Evans. (Some controversy there, because Davis continued to say he wrote it.)

    • Miles Davis – trumpet
    • John Coltrane – tenor saxophone
    • Bill Evans – piano
    • Paul Chambers – double bass
    • Jimmy Cobb – drums

    “Blue in Green”

    “In a Sentamental Mood” John Coltrane & Duke Ellington

    Duke Ellington & John Coltrane – “In a Sentimental Mood” for the July 13, 2022 Wednesday Jazz Classic! Song composed by Ellington (piano), brought into modern jazz by Coltrane (tenor sax).

    “In a Sentimental Mood”

    Duke Ellington & John Coltrane is a jazz album by Duke Ellington and John Coltrane released in January 1963 on Impulse! Records. Ellington’s song had been a standard hit in his performances but this collaboration brought Ellington into a modern jazz quartet performing standards and some new songs outside of his typical big band framework.