DJ Greg--Live from Istanbul, Part 2

OK, so Greg's actually back in NYC now as of tonight, but I couldn't pass up his email describing his time in Istanbul at Nublu East:

The gig last night was OFF THE HOOK--especially since Bebel is only traveling with two acoustic guitarists and some programmed percussion. She was wonderful, but people seemed to want to get their boogie on, and boogie they did when I did my thing. It was awesome. If the weather continues to hold up (which it should, today's weather is gorgeous) tonight should be the same. I hope to get invited back soon! Also watching the sunrise with a group of people in Bebel's hotel room directly overlooking the Bosphorus River was an experience I definitely won't be forgetting anytime soon....simply unbelievable....

I agree with Greg's assessment of Bebel's song style--it's sexy in an almost languorous fashion, but it doesn't make you dance. If anything, it makes you want to go skinny dipping. Her voice glides over every available surface, never straining for a high or low note, never overexerting itself. Bebel's voice seems effortless, yet, like her father's, she can make things seem simpler than they actually are.

When she sings the Vinicius de Moraes/Baden Powell classic, "Samba da Bênção," you'd never know it's a philosophical take on sadness, hope, and the fleeting happiness that can be found only through the succor of samba. Bebel could be singing the proverbial phonebook and you'd think she was telling you she loved you.

But on the second MP3 below, she does sing along those lines: on "Cada Beijo," she's singing about the taste of each kiss, how she longs for the next one. If only all kisses felt as good as this song sounds.


MP3 File--Samba da Bênção, Bebel Gilberto

MP3 File--"Cada Beijo," by Bebel Gilberto

TAGS: Brazilian Music, MP3, Bebel Gilberto.