SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: BEBEL GILBERTO – JOÃO

BEBEL GILBERTO
JOÃO
[PIAS]

Bebel Gilberto grew up surrounded by music. Her father was João Gilberto, one of the pioneers of Brazilian bossa nova, and her mother was famed Latin jazz singer Miúcha. This kind of pedigree can be both a blessing and a curse. In Bebel’s case, it has been a blessing. She has had a very successful career as a singer and composer.

In the world of Latin jazz, her father João Gilberto is a giant who casts a large shadow. He passed away in 2019, and his daughter Bebel has released João, which is both a tribute to his legacy, and an act of devotion to the father who spent so much time with her in her youth.

Each of the tracks on João are in the bossa nova style, featuring acoustic guitar, piano, sparse percussion, and occasional background woodwinds and brass. Songs are sung in Portuguese, with the exception being “Eclipse de Luna”, which is performed in Spanish.

From a performance point of view, subtlety is important when playing this music. As Gilberto herself notes, “Always remember that less is more. Don’t overdo it. Observe the spaces, observe the timing. And as much as you can, try to enjoy the music, and not just play the music.”

As such, casual listeners may find that there isn’t a lot of variety throughout the album. However, this is intentional, and those who are a little more well-versed in this style of jazz will appreciate the subtle differences in each of the songs.

It took Bebel Gilberto a long time to finally cover her father’s material, because she wanted to strike out on her own path. Deciding that she was finally ready, the maturity she now has as an established performer has served her well.

Fans of this style of music will appreciate what she has accomplished on João. This is a loving tribute to a father and a Latin jazz pioneer sung by a performer who is in a unique position to provide her own interpretations.

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