Drum Sheet – Lys Gainza – Garota de Ipanema

“Garota de Ipanema,” also known as “The Girl from Ipanema,” is one of the most iconic Bossa Nova songs ever composed. The version by Lys Gainza, though less widely known than the original, carries the same rhythmic elegance and timeless appeal. The story of this song’s creation is steeped in the warm sands and vibrant life of Rio de Janeiro.

The original song was composed in 1962 by the legendary Brazilian musicians Antônio Carlos Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes. The inspiration came from a real girl, Helô Pinheiro, who would walk past the Veloso bar in Ipanema, a neighborhood in Rio, on her way to the beach. Her youthful beauty and graceful stride captured the attention of Jobim and Moraes, who transformed this everyday moment into a melody that exudes the laid-back charm and longing of Brazilian life.

Lys Gainza‘s version pays homage to this classic, while adding her own interpretation, which remains faithful to the Bossa Nova style. The drums in Gainza‘s rendition play a crucial role in maintaining the song’s smooth, syncopated rhythm. The drumming, likely inspired by the traditional Brazilian percussion, is subtle yet essential, providing the steady heartbeat of the track. It’s not overly complex, allowing the melody and lyrics to shine, but its presence is undeniable, adding depth and texture to the piece.

The song was first performed in its original form at the Au Bon Gourmet restaurant in Rio de Janeiro in August 1962. Jobim and Moraes were joined by João Gilberto and a young singer named Astrud Gilberto, whose English-language version later helped the song achieve international fame. Since then, “Garota de Ipanema” has been performed in countless venues worldwide, from intimate bars in Brazil to grand stages in Europe and the United States.

Lys Gainza‘s version might have been performed in more contemporary settings, capturing the essence of the original while introducing it to new audiences. The drum work in this version continues to echo the rhythms of Rio, bringing listeners back to the golden days of Bossa Nova, where the simplicity of the beat allows the beauty of the melody to take center stage.