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In the last few years bossa nova has re-emerged, swept the world
and created waves among a younger generation. Not exactly the
same thing that older listeners might have listened to, but certainly
the sparse intimacy and instruments such as sax flute, electric
keyboards, acoustic guitar, bass and Brazilian percussion are
there, judiciously augmented with electronics, contemporary beats
and a bit of extra samba fire. Bebel Gilberto, daughter of Joao
who virtually single-handedly invented the style in the late 50’s
is the new diva. Her cool yet emotive voice is a remixer’s
dream. Saturday night at the Enmore theatre bore witness to Bebel
and the band’s final concert at the end of a six month tour.
Moving from whispery bossas that swayed or spooked in their electronic
incarnations (her version of Samba Da Bencao was eerily beautiful)
to samba and club-inspired grooves Bebel proved a natural commanding
performer who emanated both warmth and a cool, sexy poise. There
was no sign of embarrassment as she switched easily from Portuguese
to English lyrics investing each note with meaning or danced with
swirling grace to the carefully layered performances. Kudos to
her excellent band whose interplay kept the music pulsing and
surprise filled in a variety of settings.
Included were the obligatory Sem Contencao with subtly programmed
beats, Tanto Tempo, Aganju from the new album and a really snappy
dance version of the classic Bananeira. The swaying might have
become more frenetic here and on a couple of other numbers but
the concert was not a dance rave as such…and to have extended
the process further would have drowned the passages of genuine
intimacy that Bebel had engendered elsewhere with that sense of
poise for which she is rightly renowned. After all Bebel is Joao’s
daughter and it was not something that was lost on most of the
young, enthusiastic audience. Richard Jasiutowicz
