Bebel Gilberto charms in saucy Bimbo's show
December 11, 1:06 PM
Bay Area Jazz ExaminerDavid Becker
It was wet and frigid outside, but there was an unmistakable breeze from Rio de Janerio wafting through the air once you got inside Bimbo's on Thursday night.
That was courtesy of tropical chanteuse Bebel Gilberto, daughter of legendary tunesmith Joao Gilberto and a musical sensation in her own right. Performing with a well-oiled backing band, Gilberto served up a hypnotic 90 minutes worth of tunes that blended bossa nova sensuality with techno-fied beats.
Especially live, the most striking aspect of Gilberto's music is its sunny optimism. Veering between breezy celebration and irresistible sensuality, the songs make no allowance for even the possibility of negative emotion.
Gilberto came across as a natural performer -- no surprise given that she made her performing debut with Stan Getz when she 7 and has since gone on to collaborate with everyone from Brazilian traditionalist Caetano Veloso to noise rock pioneer and former Faith No More frontman Mike Patton.
The singer concentrated on material from her new album, "All in One," showing a facility with English lyrics and lighthearted sensibility that never neglects musical precision. It's no small accomplishment to leave several hundred people humming "Chica Chica Boom Chic" as they re-enter the winter chill of reality.
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