Astrud Gilberto is a Brazilian samba and bossa nova singer, known as the “Queen of Bossa Nova,” who rose to fame after releasing “The Girl From Ipanema.” Yes, The Girl From Ipanema. Of course, I know that song, I’m sure you know that song, but I had never realized that it was Brazilian nor that it was rooted in bossa nova. The track kickstarted her career on the international stage, though she allegedly only made $120 from recording it.
Look To The Rainbow is an album Gilberto recorded in 1966, two years after Ipanema. The album is the perfect blend of sadness and lightness with her blue-tinted vocals rising softly over moody arrangements. When I think about Dinner Music, this album truly captures the vibe I think we are all looking for when imagine romantically cooking dinner with a glass of red wine and sitting around a candlelit dinner table. From the quiet, searing sound of Once Upon a Summertime to the upbeat, weirdly prescient sound of Bim Bom this album is the *chefs kiss* of easy listening.
As always, enjoy, let me know what you think.
Astrud Gilberto - Look To The Rainbow
Pair this album with:
This Bobinet Chenin Blanc. Bobinet is a wine producer that I buy anytime I see a bottle and their Chenin’s are especially good. This one is creamy, with notes of green apple and grapefruit. It’s a honey-feeling wine for a honey-feeling album.
Barbra Kakfa’s Creamy Lemon Pasta. This is a really, really easy recipe that STUNS. Buy the highest quality fresh pasta and lemon you can find. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top. Add some burrata. Maybe pancetta. It’s delicious.
One more thing!
I don’t always listen to hyper esoteric funk or moody 1970s ballads, I promise. Lately, I’ve been very into Annie Blackman. If you like lo-fi, moody, female-centric indie music (i.e. julien baker or lucy dacus), highly recommend. I’m very excited to see her next week during SXSW.
As always, thank you for your support 💕