A Touch of Summer
For those that already like Latin music, you’re probably well aware of Bebel Gilberto. In fact, such is her heritage; she is of great social stature within the Latin scene.
Her father Joao Gilberto is recognised as the creator of the Bossa Nova whilst her mother Miucha and her uncle, Chico Buarque, both carved a name for themselves within the Brazilian charts. Maybe this parentage is a blessing, but you can't help but feel that the weight of expectation hangs heavy on Bebel's shoulders.
However, she need not have worried. Having already pocketed a MOBO award, Bebel Gilberto has achieved something of the impossible. She's stayed true to her own musical heritage whilst simultaneously acquiring not only the recognition, but also kudos in the Western world.
Only a handful of Latin artists have managed to be embraced by the West, such as Santana, Astrid Gilberto and the Buena Vista Social Club. In fact her vocals are reminiscent of Astrid Gilberto and ‘Aganju’ has a ‘Girl from Ipanema’ feel about it.
A chilled, although distinctly Latin, laid-back affair, ‘Aganju’ is a healthy dose of warmer climes as bonfires are stacked and the frost sets in. Velvet vocals delicately lay across the easiest rhythmic shuffle. This track enables you to kick off your worries and leave them by the 'play' button on your stereo. With the guiro in the background, so evocative of South America, ‘Aganju’ has that eerie ability to transport you there.
With the over-saturation of badly constructed dance music and over-produced pop, what a delight it is hear some World music that has made an impact on the UK charts. One album and one extra MOBO award down, this second album methinks, is a sign of many more to come.