Bebel Gilberto: 29 Sept. 2009 – The Box, New York

Bebel Gilberto, the daughter of bossa nova, literally (her father is João Gilberto,) performed an intimate and kittenish early set at The Box to celebrate the release of her tenth studio album, All in One. While much of the setlist dutifully revolved around the new material (“Bim Bom,” “Cancao de Amor,” and “The Real Thing”) Gilberto indulged fans with hits from Tanto Tempo, like “So Nice” and “Samba de Bencao.” It was, after all, an evening “only for the really close ones” as Bebel put it. In between doting on her fans and praising her four-piece backing band Gilberto relished the role of sultry siren, inspired, no doubt, by the venue’s alternate use as a burlesque club. As the double entendres multiplied, Gilberto had the crowd in the palm of her hand by the time she sang her new single, “Chica Chica Boom Chic.” Despite her flirtatious tone Gilberto’s voice was calm, controlled, and plush, epitomizing the very delicate yet relaxed precision of bossa nova itself.

Setlist:

Aganju

All in One

Bim Bom

Cancao de Amor

Secret (Segredo)

Sem Contencao

Samba de Bencao

So Nice

The Real Thing

Chica Chica Boom Chic

August Day Song