Bebel Gilberto, daughter of the great João Gilberto and a figure who played a major part in bringing bossa nova before a new audience, will be taking the Central Park stage Saturday, as a headliner of the Brasil Summerfest shows. Gilberto has been recording and performing since 1986, but she really hit her stride in 2000, with the release of her CD Tanto Tempo. That album used electronics to help bring a new sound to an old form, and together with the music of artists like Marcos Valle, Bossacucanova, and Paula Morelenbaum, led to the creation of the style that many call "Brazilian lounge". Gilberto has since returned to a more organic sound, but her work did a lot to expose younger listeners to bossa and prevent it from turning into "vintage" music. Since "Tanto Tempo", she's been performing often, and recording a new CD about every two years.
Because she's an international star and tours often, not everyone realizes that Bebel Gilberto will be coming home on Saturday. She was born right here in New York City, and continues to divide her time between New York and Brazil. I'm excited to be seeing her live for the first time. If you're in town, come by. The weather is supposed to be fabulous, and the show is free.
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