Bebel Gilberto • All In One

As the daughter of two gifted musicians, New York-born Brazilian performer Bebel Gilberto was bound to have some hereditary rhythm in her blood. She duly began her career with pre-teen performances and eventually progressed to Grammy nominations, MOBO awards and collaborations with some equally stellar talents. Her cross-cultural appeal has meant ties to both the Latin community and a Western audience, and as All In One reaffirms, Gilberto is a versatile talent capable of pleasing both.

Sung predominantly in Portuguese with English verses making unassumingly sweet appearances every now and then, Gilberto’s sixth album is a pleasure. ‘Bim Bom’ sees her indulge in a jazzy duet with Daniel Jobim, grandson of bossa nova legend Antonio Carlos Jobim, giving the song which was first recorded by her father João Gilberto some years back a youthful update. Swaying, slow tempo opener ‘Cancao de Amor’ delights, while the Stevie Wonder-penned, Mark Ronson-produced ‘Real Thing’ crosses Latin and high-end pop with style.

An expertly blended work of traditional bossa nova sounds given a lilting, rhythmic, desert island exotica, All In One is exactly that, a complete package, making it a perfect benchmark for Gilberto’s impressively colourful career.

[Verve; March 8, 2010]

Tagged all in one, bebel gilberto