BEBEL GILBERTO — Tanto Tempo (review)

BEBEL GILBERTO — Tanto Tempo album cover

Album · 2000 · Bossa Nova

4.5/5 · 2011-02-08
Matt

Lazing around on a sunny day, this could be the music for the occasion with sunshine in bountiful proportions and a great Bossa groove. Bebel Gilberto is a native Brazillian and daughter to Joao Gilberto so one cannot say that even though this is Bebel's solo debut she is not a newcomer to Bossa Nova. Produced by her friend "Suba" who also does the programming and plays piano when required. Before the album was released in 1999 "Suba' was killed by a fire in his apartment in Sao Paulo. I heard he was trying to rescue his music but if only he knew that this album was about to become a little hit by selling over one million copies and picking up two Grammy Nominations. It actually was the 3rd biggest selling Brazillian album in the U.S ever. Bebel has played with some great artists "Caetano Veloso","David Byrne", the DJ "Towa Tei" and "Thievery Corporation". Which is a good indicater for the construction of this album with electronic programming and instrumentation all providing one very easy going Bossa album."Joao Donato" from Brazil also contributes as a guest on Fender Rhodes and arrangement for his song "Bananeira". We also have various other muscians contributing here and there with percussion, saxophones , bass, guitars and trumpet.

The sun comes up with the first track "Samba da Bencao" which is a "Baden Powell" composition and the light Bossa groove is all there with Bebel's silky vocals and of course guitar. Programming is added to the song but does not destroy any of the style as it sure is Brazillian Bossa. Not once does the programming get in the way but is used more to provide a texture to the album which stays Bossa Nova throughout. Not all Portugeuse is used as four of the songs are in English which does not detract at all from the style and actually gives the album a slight contrast which keeps things interesting. "August Day' is the first one with its mix of both languages used and is as light and breezy as you could wish for in this style of music."Tanto Tempo" the title track comes in third and really starts with a sixties feel and is a real highlight with just programming and piano by "Suba" and Bebel's singing with such a light feel. Tempos do change within the album but always Bossa with a Samba influence at times such as track four "Sem Contencao" with a great fairly quick beat .On the ninth track "Bananeira is with "Jaoa Donato' and a brass section comprising trombone, alto and baritone saxophone with trumpet and would be the fullest sounding song with a great bit of groove from the bass by "Jorge Helder". The song "Samba Amor" is the reverse with just acoustic guitar with Bebel singing,and as often is the case with these bare bones,stripped back tunes they are one of the best. Simply dreamy and beautiful might be the best description for the tune. There are eleven songs within the album and all are done with a great sound for this style of music. "Close Your Eyes" the last one is up tempo and one very nice groove is the result with the brass kicking in.

Great album for when you would like something light and happy and yes it has plenty of sunshine. Bebel Gilberto really made this one quite an interesting album with her contempary approach to Bossa Nova and some great feeling from her home country Brazil.