Mono & Stereo magazine’s reviewer Matej Isak says Chad Kassem’s efforts via his Quality Record Pressings pressing plant “goes beyond simple vinyl revival.” “What can I say? I have a few different copies of this album and this release is of a completely different nature of sound. Like with another unforgettable (release) Nat ‘King’ Cole — Love Is The Thing this is as good as it gets, without having the real master tapes on hand. It’s a celebration of analog.” Isak also raves, “Everything is even more subtle and present. Astrud’s vocals finally got the needed three-dimensionality and ‘spirit’ and Getz’s saxophone breathes out of proportion. When compared to other pressings, for example, Astrud is a mere statue. Here, she came alive with the feeling of real life-size. … With 45 RPM benefits, the album gained better transients and a sense of atmosphere. It moves you more intimately and straight to the core.” Matej Isak, Mono & Stereo magazine, May 2013. Beyond highly recommended.” Named a Mono & Stereo Strictly Vinyl Analog Award winner.

“…these are all truly classic Verve titles that you simply don’t want to miss…most importantly, the sound of these reissues is nothing short of astounding. Particularly the early Billie and Ella mono records are incredible treasures of sonic beauty. I’d definitely ask Santa for the whole set, or, if you want to cherry pick, the most classic titles. Whatever you decide, you owe yourself at least a half dozen!” Winner of a 2012 Positive Feedback Online Writers’ Choice Award – Danny Kaey, Positive Feedback Online, November/December 2011

“…To say that the resulting new stereo master is anything but a major sonic breakthrough would be to make the understatement of the decade. Simply put, audiophile jargon and usual hyperbolas aside, this new release is like hearing the record for the very first time, in the studio, with Astrud and team granting you a personal performance for the night. There is just so much more information present, that you really can’t fairly compare any of the previous releases with this one.” – Danny Kaey, Positive Feedback, September/October 2011

The original master tapes for this title had not been used since 1980 previous to this reissue. Also, for this Analogue Productions reissue the decision was made to master and present this album as it was originally mixed to master tape. With very few exceptions all versions of this title to date, including the original, have had the channels incorrectly reversed. With this version, you’ll hear this title as it was intended to be heard, without the channels reversed. And again, those reissues you’ve heard up until now – definitely still breathy, warm and rich – were made from something less than the master. Prepare to hear the veil removed.

Astrud Gilberto says that her husband, Joao, informed Stan Getz that she “could sing at the recording.” Creed Taylor recalls that it took Getz’s wife, Monica, to get both Astrud and Joao into the recording studio; Mrs. Getz had a sense that Astrud could make a hit. And Getz himself is on record saying that he insisted on Astrud’s presence over the others’ objections. So who’s right? What does it matter? The Gilbertos, Getz and the legendary Antonio Carlos Jobim followed up the bossa nova success of Jazz Samba with this, the defining LP of the genre. With one of the greatest hit singles jazz has ever known – each one who hears it goes “Ahhh!”