August 12-18, 2004

musicpicks

Bebel Gilberto

DANCE/BOSSA NOVA

In the press release for her self-titled second album, Bebel Gilberto says she chose the title because, "I wanted to make a statement with my name." Her last name, of course, can speak for itself, connecting her to the most famous family in Brazilian music. Thankfully, Bebel Gilberto does some talking of its own. There's plenty of off-beat percussion and plucked acoustic guitar, but Gilberto's smooth voice speaks equally of Eurodiscos as strolls in the sun. (Think Sarah Cracknell after a few capirinhas.) Forsaking her role as the smoke in groups like Thievery Corporation and Arling & Cameron's machine, the lady wrote most of this mostly acoustic affair herself. There's a repetitious quality to her compositions; Gilberto knows how to set a mood, but not always how to turn it into a song. But it's a pleasure listening to her finding her voice.

Sat., Aug. 14, 8 p.m., $27, The TLA, 334 South St., 215-336-2000.

—Sam Adams