Astrud Gilberto: The Shadow Of Your Smile (180 g) (LP)

Released on Verve in 1965, "The Shadow of Your Smile" features Astrud Gilberto at the beginning of her solo career and places her understated, conversational vocal style at the center of Don Sebesky and Klaus Ogerman's lush yet subtle arrangements that emphasize clarity, warmth and emotional transparency in bossa nova, jazz and pop music of the mid-'60s. Produced by Creed Taylor, the album frames her soft, unforced vocals with gentle orchestral sounds, whether on the newly created standard of the title track, Brazilian tunes or contemporary ballads, allowing the nuances of her timbre and phrasing to carry the music. The album marks an important moment in Gilberto's evolution from guest vocalist to accomplished solo artist and confirms her as one of the defining voices of the bossa nova era. Verve Acoustic Sound Series: fully analog mastered from the original tapes by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound, QPR pressing (180 g), hard tip-on gatefold (Stoughton Printing), padded inner sleeve