Mellow acoustic version of Gil classics
03/29/2010
(3 out of 5 stars)
"It is hard for me to pick just one, but Gilberto Gil is probably my all-time favorite composer and performer of Brazilian music. But I have never encountered such a thoroughly low-key and mellow recording as this one, even though it was a live performance. So I have to admit, I was just slightly disappointed. Gil's music normally conveys such energy and all the more so in a live recording. The concept is interesting with GG collaborating with his children, mostly in duet acoustic guitar with Bem Gil. "Amor ate' o fim" in duet with Maria Rita was a lively number and there were those lovely moments of the GG giggle and warm words to the audience, and impromptu commentaries. I also enjoyed the French track "La Renaissance africaine." It was a very touching rendition.
I still like the CD and would give it a recommendation for listening when you really want to relax. Just don't expect a high-powered Gilberto Gil on this one."