Proving that “smooth” doesn’t always have to be a dirty word when qualifying music, vocalist Bebel Gilberto does credit to her family name on the sweet new Tanto Tempo (Six Degrees 657036; 41:07). Following an understated, post-bossa nova course of action, Gilberto-the daughter of bossa nova pioneer Joao Gilberto and her celebrated vocalist mother Miucha-sprinkles on mild kitsch sauce, savory pop qualities, winking nods to the techno generation and overall musicality to hold it together. A Brazilian in New York City, she has appeared as a collaborator with the likes of Caetano Veloso, Arto Lindsay, David Byrne and sang “Girl from Ipanema” on a Kenny G album (we should be forgiving: the money was probably good), but this is her debut as a leader, and it’s a tasty number. Bossa nova shimmies into the mix, with tunes like “Summer Samba,” “Samba da Bencao” and her uncle Chico Burque’s “Samba e Amor,” as well as her own original tunes. Part sentimental, part experimental, almost entirely satisfying.
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