As I sit here drinking my Campari Spritz (a drink I picked up a habit of drinking, as redundant as that may sound,  in Italy and although it tastes weird as fuck it grows on you or at least that’s what the locals made me believe) the sound of my Pandora Bossanova music station resonates but nothing really stands out until the soothing voice of Astrud Gilberto singing “Fly Me to the Moon”,  made famous by Frank Sinatra (although it is much older, originally written by Bart Howard 10 years before in 1954) seeps through the speakers of my IPad.

I still recall the first time I heard this incantation on her behalf in a romantic comedy named “Down With Love” which starred Ewan McGregor and Rene Zellweger (remember her?!). At the time of it’s release, which was 2003, it was one of my favorite “rom/coms” which took place in the early 60’s when women’s rights were starting to become a huge deal (as they should have!). I won’t go too in-depth into the film but I recall a scene in  which spliced both Frank Sinatra’s version with Astrud Gilberto’s and it was nothing short of magical. I implore you to take the time to listen to one of the most beautiful voices of all time, also known as Astrud Gilberto, now because you never know when you might ever have the chance to do something that intoxicates you with pure and unadulterated emotion.

Written by: Del Rivers