BuzzFlash Reviews

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When we first came across Bebel Gilberto, we were a little skeptical, because we heard that they were selling her music at Starbucks. (We associated that with music that was too corporately "safe.")

But then we listened to her debut album, which received raves from Bossa Nova fans, and we were smitten.

What can we say, Bossa Nova ranges from light and airy to pulsating shimmy and shake with grace. It's not as complex as hardcore American jazz, but when it's good, it does feel like you are driving along the Pacific on a wonderfully sunny day, feeling romantic and carefree.

In this situation, Bebel Gilberto would be ideal to wrap the day in a package of caressing, seductive artistry.

She's a confident, on-pitch, sensual singer, who snuggles into her lyrics like a suede glove.

And that Portugese is so exotic (a couple of the songs are in English, which Gilberto handles agilely)!

An Online reviewer writes:

"Let's call this disc one of life's more agreeable surprises. While I've noticed the CD countless times at my local record store I never took the time to listen to it's contents....until two weeks ago. And it's almost never left my turntable since (what is the lifespan of any CD anyway?). My initial reaction to the songs contained here were one not unlike when seeing an old friend after being apart for any amount of time. The were oddly recognizable but at the same time also fresh and completely enveloping in their charms.... that is certainly high praise indeed. The tunes are, for the most part, economically written and while sung in Portugese ( except for two tracks ) contain a certain atmospheric quality that is hard to deny. My own personal highlight (and I suspect many other listener's as well! ) would be " So Nice ( Summer Samba) " an age old Bossa Nova classic that Bebel handles with an incredible amount of ease and maturity. Everything here tends to feel extremely smooth and languid....not unlike relaxing on the sand while soaking in the sun's rays. And while I will readily admit to a certain 'datedness' concerning these tracks ( plus containing a type of lounge, cha-cha-cha feeling as well! ) that only enhances the overall appeal of this incredible disc. If there is, at least for me, anything that truly establishes a CD as being a 'classic' ( and yes, I'm aware that term is relative! ) it is simply how that artist is able to create a mood throughout the life of the entire disc and hold the listener's unqualified attnetion. Obviously, we already have our answer concerning the amazing "Tanto Tempo"!"

You can hear some samples of music from Gilberto's latest album (which we will be offering at a later date) on her myspace page at Bebel Gilberto on myspace, or on her homepage at Bebel Gilberto homepage

BUZZFLASH REVIEWS