Bebel Gilberto

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Bebel Gilberto is back with Momento, her third solo album, presenting some of her most elegant and personal musical statements since bursting on the scene in 2000 when her Grammy nominated debut album Tanto Tempo took the world by storm and conquered audiences worldwide. Momento is about a moment in time and living in the moment ­ an apt title for these times of fast but shallow information. The album draws on the graceful, low-key Electronica of Tanto Tempo and the enchanting, acoustic simplicity of her second self-titled album. Gilberto’s voice is presented in a variety of settings that showcase her magical delivery and subtle, powerful emotions. On Momento Gilberto also comes into her own as a songwriter, writing or co-writing the majority of the songs, and delivers three impressive covers ­ “Caçada” (written by her uncle and famed songwriter Chico Buarque); “Tranquilo” (written by young Rio producer Kassin) and a heart-stopping Bossa-Jazz version of Cole Porter’s classic “Night And Day”. Besides the three covers, Gilberto co-wrote and co-produced all the tracks on Momento working with producers such as Guy Sigsworth, The Brazilian Girls, Rio’s Orquestra Imperial and members of her own band in New York. “In the studio today you can play, edit, double tracks or delete them. It was a big challenge, but big fun too.” Bebel Gilberto’s soulful restrained blend of Brazilian and international music took the world by surprise with the release of Tanto Tempo in 2000. Although Gilberto has an impressive genealogy ­ she never had any intention of following in her parent’s footsteps. She developed her own unique style moving to New York City and working with artists as varied as David Byrne, Caetano Veloso, Towa Tei (Deee Lite) and Thievery Corporation. By the time she recorded Tanto Tempo, she had already forged her own musical identity, combining Brazilian Pop, European sophistication, and cutting edge Electronica with a unique silky vocal style that entranced audiences worlwide. Tanto Tempo became the third biggest selling Brazilian album in US chart history. ‘I am honored that people look forward to hear my music, which is the biggest inspiration an artist can have.” Momento continues Gilberto’s upward momentum. Momento nods to the rich musical background the singer grew up in, but she uses it as a springboard for her own ineffable global vision. Momento’s blend of Samba, Pop, Bossa, Electronica, and Gilberto’s growing confidence as both singer and writer, catapults her into the first rank of international performers. There is no category that can contain her.