Search - Gal Costa :: Live at Blue Note

Gal Costa Burns It Blue

Amaranth | Northern California | 05/01/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gal Costa's Live at the Blue Note is a relaxed live concert. Her rapport with the audience at her May 19,2006 NYC is refreshing. She shows herself to be a true musician. Her voice is as energizing as yerba mate,as smooth and warm as Brazilian hot chocolate. Her singing is organic and natural, flowing like the ancient Amazon river from the depths of the rainforest. Gal Costa was at the forefront of the '60s tropicalista movement in Brazil,the South American version of the psychedelic/hippie movement. She still sings MPB (popular music),but on this album she excels with relaxed bossa nova and samba.



The opening song,"Fotografia",is reflective,and slightly bittersweet. Her "Chega de Saudade" and "Camisa Amarela" turn the mood from melancholy to quietly joyous. Her "Ave Maria No Morro" blends the spiritual with the sensual. It's a surprise,amidst all of Antonio Carlos Jobim's bossa nova. Her "I fall in love too easily" and "As time goes by" are Brazilian tributes to '40s jazz classics. One can imagine Casablanca set at the Copacabana. Her "Corcovado", "Sabado em Copacabana" and "Aquarela do Brasil" are joyous,gentle odes to Brazil. (Luckily,she doesn't sing Barry Manilow's "Copacabana",though she'd make it tasteful&better than the original!) She sings "Felicidade" (also covered by nueva bossa nova diva Bebel Gilberto),giving it a smooth approach. Her version of "Girl from Ipanema" is a touching tribute to the original.



Gal Costa makes bossa nova timeless. "Live at the Blue Note" brings the concert to the comfort of your home. Drink down like a capirinha and enjoy!"