Bebel Gilberto
Tanto Tempo

THE REVIEW

Her father is João Gilberto, the guru of bossa nova. Her mother, Miucha, one of Brazil's most pristine voices. Her uncle, Chico Buarque De Hollanda, is a poet, singer, composer. There might be some suspicion that Bebel Gilberto has had a bit of nepotism in her favor. But no, ladies and gentlemen, quite the contrary! Bebel is an extraordinary mix of the best DNA of Brazilian music from Tom Jobim onwards. Her voice is sensual, airy, deep. Vibrant without missing a beat. In fact, it was clear the girl had talent when, at twenty years old or so, she duetted with Cazuza in "Eu preciso dizer que eu te amo", one of the most beautiful love songs of all time (unmissable!).

And so this debut album, Tanto Tempo, could only bring one thing. Emotion. It starts with "Samba De Bencao" and immediately it's "saudade". That bittersweet sadness of the carioca, that nostalgia, and at the same time that joy of living, which transports you immediately under the "Corcovado" or to the beach of Ipanema where the girl (the famous "garota") passes by and you know you can never have her.
This album unfolds one revelation after another, in an explosive mix of pop and bossa nova. Captivating "Sem Contencao" with a Celso Fonseca (keep an eye on him, guys!) in splendid form. Moving "Mais Feliz", with the words of Cazuza, reminding us that AIDS not only took away the great Freddie Mercury but also this extraordinary Brazilian poet and singer. "So Nice" is a bossa nova classic, which Bebel sings in such a simple and sensual way as to be totally, completely disarming.

If you still have any doubts, listen to "Samba E Amor", just a voice and a guitar. Emocao meravigliao. And I won't say anything more.