“Amoroso/Brasil” is a two-album cd set by João Gilberto, the legendary Brazilian bossa nova singer and guitarist. The set includes two of his classic albums on one CD, Amoroso (1977) and Brasil (1981), often packaged together in reissues. Released in 1977, “Amoroso” is considered one of João Gilberto’s finest recordings, featuring lush orchestral arrangements. Produced by Tommy LiPuma and arranged/conducted by Claus Ogerman, the album blends Gilberto’s intimate vocal and guitar style with soft, sweeping orchestral backing. The album modernized Gilberto’s sound, introducing him to new audiences while keeping his minimalist bossa nova style intact. Released in 1981, “Brasil” brought together three of Brazil’s greatest artists: João Gilberto (guitar, vocals), Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil and singer Maria Bethânia (on some tracks). Unlike “Amoroso,” this album has no orchestral backing, returning to a more traditional, stripped-down bossa nova sound, with a warm, intimate atmosphere. This compilation (“Amoroso/Brasil”) is a perfect introduction to Gilberto’s later work.
