Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Listening to Astrud



Could there possible be anyone living who does not have "Girl from Ipanema" lodged somewhere in their subconscious? Certainly not anyone over a certain age (older than I). It lodged in my brain somewhere in early childhood. Years of Osmond Brothers, Three Dog Night, Peter Frampton, The Cure, and thousands of others blocked the area of my brain where this song existed. Sometime after college, after leaving the world of the independent radio station, I was forced to open my mind to older music rather than new music.

The blockage removed, "Girl from Ipanema" was set free.

For most of my life, I had no idea who sang this song. No idea who played that stunning sax. In time, all was revealed and I fell in love with the Getz/Gilberto album.

Playing the CD in my studio over and over for several weeks resulted in this piece.

Astrud, 24 x 20"

I always imaged Astrud singing in a nightclub with turquoise decor while wearing a black and gold dress. I also pictured young couples necking to her music while hiding away in their brown-paneled, basement recreation rooms.

It's such a lovely day today. I'm going to get in the car with my Getz/Gilberto cd and take a little drive. Probably up to Target. Yes, tall and tan and young and lovely me is going to cruise the Target aisles for some new cereal bowls.

7 comments:

Rita Vindedzis said...

You're too funny, good luck with those cereal bowls. May dad was a musician (played sax, flute, xylophone) and worked the jazz clubs while I was growing up. Made for an interesting childhood. I grew up with music like this and love it to this day. I like your take on the colors-great piece Kim.

Diane said...

Kim, you're so funny, and boy did you bring back memories!! I love how it inspired you. (gotta love that Target :)

Colleen Kole said...

I think I always am looking for the last paragraph when you write. You are funny. I like the new piece-it really fits your inspiration. :)

aimee said...

a great piece inspired by a great piece! love that song!

p said...

for some reason that song always makes me feel so sad. lost. life and death stuff.
i love that you listen to jazz on your way to TARGET.

jason said...

ahh....nothing wrong with that. Target is as close to Ipanema as I'm likely to get too.

SHANNA WHEELOCK said...

this song - brings back some fun memories!!!! hehe. thanks for that.