By Claudia Torrens
Associated Press
NEW YORK — Bebel Gilberto isn’t just about bossa nova.
The Rio de Janeiro-raised musician — the daughter of renowned singer and guitarist Joao Gilberto and singer and composer Miucha, — describes her music simply as the “Bebel Sound,” an eclectic mix of Brazilian rhythms, soul and electronic music.
“It’s music that is easy to listen to. It’s music that soothes you, that inspires you. Some of my music is good for dancing, and I definitely will say that is good recipe for a date,” Gilberto, 48, said during an interview in a New York City Brazilian restaurant.
Her album “Tudo,” released Tuesday, includes 12 songs in Portuguese, English and even some French.
The eclectic mix is understandable. The New York-born musician grew up steeped in bossa nova and U.S. pop rock. Her first album, “Tanto Tempo,” was released in 2000, positioning her as an internationally recognized artist. She followed with “Bebel Gilberto” (2004,) “Momento” (2007) and “All in One” (2009).
“I can easily create melodies. For people who can understand music they (the melodies) tend to get kind of a profile of who I am,” Gilberto said, adding that inspiration can come to her anytime and anywhere — as it recently did in Tulum, Mexico, where she imagined a song during a long stroll.
This year, Gilberto plans to play in Europe and Brazil before returning to the U.S. in the fall.
Her new work radiates optimism even in its title, which in English means “all” but can also be translated as “very good” or “fantastic.”
“I wanted to sing about each little moment, emotion, idea, melody that has been part of my life over the past year,” she said. “I am loving life and living more passionately than ever and wanted to share all that.”
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