Live
Bebel: Koko, London 6/08/10
When it comes to international Brazilian musicians, one of the names that will almost definitely be mentioned is Bebel Gilberto. Daughter of Brazilian music legends João Gilberto and singer Miúcha, it could be argued that music runs through Bebel’s veins.
For one night only, in front of a packed audience at London’s Koko, Bebel delivered a slice of Brazil. One thing she didn’t do was come on stage Brazilian time, Bebel had already launched into her second song before 8.30pm; Bebel was clearly not going to keep her crowd waiting.
Opening with 'Aganju', Bebel treated the crowd to just less than 90 minutes of tracks from all her albums, and also the opportunity to be on the simultaneous webcast of her show. Bebel’s vocals married beautifully with her six-man band, with whom she danced around as they played Bebel’s brand of Brazilian Pop that has endeared so many. Surrounded by a hanging display of butterflies on the stage, Bebel sang crowd favourites and encouraged us to clap in tine. Although fully conversant in English, somehow when she sang in English a natural warmth and energy was missing when compared to when she sang in her native Portuguese. Additionally, given the subtleties of bossa nova sometimes her vocal was lost in the sound quality and noise of discussions being had at the back of the auditorium. That aside however Be'bel sang her cover of Bob Marley’s 'Sun Is Shining' as well hits like Baby, Bim Bom, Segrado', 'Samba da Benção' and 'Momento'. As an encore Bebel sang 'Bring Back The Love' and 'Chica Chica Bom Chic'. From the crowds reaction it appeared that they had fully warmed up and were getting into Bebel when the show ended; but at least it can be said they left on a high.
So overall it was a pleasant summer evening; Bebel came and saw, but in my opinion she did not conquer, she did however definitely leave her mark. Fans of her albums and fellow countrymen appeared to be having a fantastic time, and it is these people that will keep introducing Bebel to new people, and convert them into followers of her too.
Words Richard 'Ricardito' Ashie
