Last night I saw Bebel Gilberto at the Arts Centre. Bebel sings in both Portuguese and English, the majority of her songs are in Portuguese. She lives in New York and has done collaborations with David Byrne, Thievery Corporation, Mike Patton, Towa Teo and Arto Lindsay.
Bebel is the daughter of Brazilian musician Joao Gilberto, also known as “the Legend” in Brazil. He’s famous for the song the Girl from Ipanema that was performed with Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto (Bebel’s stepmother).
Because of who her father is, she is often associated with singing Bossa Nova. She describes her music as “Brazilian and pure”. Her music style is hard to describe. The easiest would be to call it “Brazilian Chill”.
When listening to her music (both live and recorded) it feels surreal, her voice does sound pure. She sounds soulful beyond her years. The music envelopes and engages you. It makes you feel like you are transported to another place – Brazil perhaps ? It gave me a giddy feeling and a natural high. I found I was bobbing my head or taping my feet while at the concert.
Even though I did not understand any of her Portuguese songs, the music and the melody of her voice just makes you feel alive. Music can truly transcend language.
Bebel has a very strong presence on stage. Somewhat diva like, not in a negative way but a playful way. She enjoys singing and also enjoys the music her band plays. At times when she is not singing, she is dancing along to the music. She likes feedback from the audience and encourages it.
After 80 minutes she left the stage and I felt like only a short time had passed. Luckily for me and the rest of the audience she came back on for another 30mins.
I would say it was the best concert I have attended and I highly recommend you seeing her live. If you don’t get the chance to, then pick up her CDs:
Her latest album is ‘Memento’ (2007) released earlier this year. Her other two albums are ‘Bebel Gilberto’ (2004) and ‘Tanto Tempo’ (2000).
Seeing Bebel Gilberto in concert will be one of many highlights of my time in Australia.
Visit her website to sample her music - www.bebelgilberto.com
3 comments:
Wow Navin,
You were able to see her? That's terrific! I have her "Bebel" CD.
Another album that might grow on you is Club Sodade by Cesaria Evora. She's from Africa but sings in Portuguese. I have no idea what she is singing but her songs are soulful and beautiful.
When she's performing in New York all the big name celebrities go to see her shows.
Glad to see you're doing well! We still have your photo posted up in our Ops cubicle. Take care! Liz
Hey Navin, that's great you got to see her in concert. I have her "Bebel Gilberto" CD.
Another album you might want to try is Club Sodade by Cesaria Evora. She is from Africa but sings in Portuguese.
I have no idea what she is singing but she is soulful and this album is a funkier version of her songs.
Great to hear about your Australian experience. Have you heard the Aussie term "Budgie smugglers"?
Take care, Liz
PS: We still have your photo up in our Ops cubible!
I LOVE BEBEL..I've been a HUGE fan of her father's music since, SINCE!! I'm really into bossa nova..! Talk about learning something new about someone you've known a long time!
xoxo
Candace
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