22 October 2023 (gig)
23 October 2023
Bebel Gilberto has music in her veins. The daughter of Brazillian guitarist, singer, and composer João Gilberto, his legacy has left its imprint around the world. He was a pioneer of the musical genre of bossa nova in the late 1950s and is widely regarded as the ‘father of bossa nova’. Tonight’s show is dedicated to the music of João who passed away in 2019 after an incredible 70-year career. Bebel’s latest album ‘João’ cements this celebration of her father’s music offering 11 songs culled from Bebel’s personal reflections.
Bebel’s soothing fusion of bossa nova and electronica has seen the Latin Grammy nominated singers star rise in a career spanning almost 40 years. She has never really tackled her father’s music in the past so tonight’s show at the majestic KOKO draw’s a mixed crowd of all ages and nationalities.
The spotlight opens on drummer/percussionist Leo Costa and guitarist Guilherme Monteiro then Bebel Saunters in as if without a care in the world. Wearing a black dress she begins, swaying to our first number ‘Adeus América’ which is also the opening track on her album ‘João’.
All sung in Portuguese, Bebel’s free and easy manner perfectly blends with the bossa nova style and musical accompaniment. The chords seem to flutter like a butterfly, delicate, poignant, and colourful. The guitar led genre requires the tactical precision and restraint of a drummer, but her long-term guitarist Guilherme Monteiro is also the rock the performance stands on. How could you not enjoy this music?
‘O Pato’, ‘Desafinado’ and latest single ‘Precise Perdoar’ are all well received. As is her version of Neil Young’s ‘Harvest Moon’. She may not have the strongest voice, but she more than makes up for that with bucket loads of charisma. Bebel’s light-hearted sultry moves, free of British reserve, begin to make sense as you let the music in and let the rhythm take control.
‘The Girl from Ipanema’ a collaboration with her father’s first wife Astrud Weinert is notably absent from the album and live show but that is soon forgotten in an evening of feelgood music, that should be prescribed on the NHS.
Bebel frequently invites the crowd to sing and clap along, there is a chaotic element to her performance, but this haphazard nature is engaging, and more importantly the crowd love it. Ending in a freestyle jam session with support act Nina Miranda, the chaos continued with a dog even wandering onto the stage in the melee.
In a night where the rhythms of Rio de Janeiro came to London, it’s clear that Bossa Nova still has a place in today’s ever expanding music scene and we’re all a little happier for it.
