Q&A: Bebel Gilberto's Famous Dad, João, Would Be Proud
by Grace Bastidas
Sultry chanteuse Bebel Gilberto just released an album titled All In One that captures her most romantic—still groovy—side. Recorded in her home studio, with the help of her new husband, it’s brimming with rhythmic bossa nova pop that speaks to her Brazilian roots and New York upbringing. I caught up with the singer as she tours around the country:
What does this latest album say about you and your current state of mind?
Happiness, love and inspiration!
Your new husband was the sound engineer; how was working together?
Fantastic as we are now working together answering these questions sitting at the beach at the Dead Sea in Israel
You also worked on the album in your home studio—were you living, breathing and dreaming of this album all the time?
Yes, completely!
“Bim Bom” was first recorded by your dad—how does it feel to sing one of his songs?
It’s been also great to play this song live, it is a song that definitely picks up the show!
What’s the most important thing he taught you?
To be exigent!
What inspires you to write?
Dreams and real life, love and nature!
You had a lot of collaborators on this album. What can you tell me about working with Carlinhos Brown, Didi Gutman, Mark Ronson and Daniel Jobim?
Oh gosh! Can I answer at once? They are all fantastic people. If I answer one by one it would take the rest of my life because they all have the best qualities in the world and they are also great people.
What’s the best part about performing in front of a live audience?
The best part of performing is when the audience starts singing along with me on my new songs.
