Bebel Gilberto

 

Bebel Gilberto is a wonderful bossa nova vocalist from Brazil. I loved Gilberto's first CD, 2000's Tanto Tempo, even though it was a bit uneven. Bebel Gilberto's second full-length CD of originals is even better than Tanto Tempo. She has found the style she is most comfortable with and made a complete album that focuses on her strengths: light, relaxed bossa nova sounds and her sexy, breathy alto voice.

The writers/arrangers on this CD have really outdone themselves. The lilting flute dancing atop "River Song," the simple guitar accompaniment of "Every Day You've Been Away," the trombone/flute duet on "Winter," they all just fit. Gilberto's songwriting has gotten stronger, as evidenced by "Simplesmente," a beautiful melody over a haunting chord progression.

All tracks belong on this CD: no filler, no crossover mess, just simple bossa - and that's a good thing. Daddy like.