Walking on Custard - A Whimsical Exploration of Music and Memory

Life throws us curveballs. Sometimes those curveballs are delicious dollops of custard landing squarely on our heads. This metaphor, wonderfully bizarre as it may be, perfectly encapsulates the essence of “Walking on Custard: The Biography of a Song.”

Written by British musician and journalist, Giles Hogg, this book takes the reader on a journey through the unexpected origins and enduring legacy of a single song – “The Girl From Ipanema”. Hogg dives deep into the history of bossa nova, tracing its roots from the sun-drenched beaches of Rio de Janeiro to its global embrace in the 1960s.

More Than Just a Melody:

“Walking on Custard” isn’t simply a musical biography; it’s an exploration of memory, cultural impact, and the elusive nature of creative inspiration. Hogg weaves together interviews with musicians who played alongside Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes – the songwriters behind “The Girl From Ipanema” – along with insights from literary scholars, historians, and even sociologists, creating a multi-dimensional tapestry of influences and interpretations.

He delves into the personal stories behind the song: the longing gaze directed at a young beauty strolling down the beach; the lyrical magic that captured her essence in words and melody; the transformative power that propelled “The Girl From Ipanema” beyond its Brazilian origins, turning it into an international sensation.

A Journey Through Time:

Hogg’s narrative style is both engaging and insightful. He effortlessly guides the reader through decades of musical history, peppering his prose with witty anecdotes and fascinating details. For instance, did you know that “The Girl From Ipanema” was originally recorded on a single microphone, capturing the intimate essence of the performance?

Or that Ella Fitzgerald’s rendition, with its soaring vocals and delicate phrasing, played a pivotal role in introducing the song to a global audience? Hogg reveals these gems and many more, offering a captivating glimpse into the creative process behind one of music’s most enduring melodies.

The Book Itself:

Published in 2014 by Random House UK, “Walking on Custard” is beautifully designed. Its crisp white pages are punctuated with evocative black-and-white photographs capturing iconic moments from the bossa nova era – musicians strumming their guitars under palm trees, sunbathers lounging on Ipanema beach, and the vibrant energy of Rio de Janeiro in its heyday.

The book’s font is easy on the eyes, making for a comfortable reading experience. Whether you curl up with it on a rainy afternoon or escape into its pages while basking in the sunshine, “Walking on Custard” promises a delightful journey into the world of music and memory.

Themes Explored:

Who Should Read This Book?

• Music enthusiasts, especially those fascinated by bossa nova, jazz, or the history of popular music.
• Anyone interested in exploring the cultural impact of a single song and how it can transcend borders and generations.
• Readers who appreciate insightful narratives that weave together personal stories, historical context, and artistic analysis.

Walking on Custard: A delightful read for anyone who wants to savor the magic of music while gaining a deeper understanding of its power to connect us across time and cultures.