Search - Gilberto Gil :: Kaya N'Gan Daya

A Master's Tribute to a Master

verdifan | North Arlington, NJ United States | 11/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gilberto Gil has proven again that he can do it all! This tribute to the great Bob Marley is a fine example of Gil's virtuosity and the joy he takes in making music. He's gone in so many new directions, from the sweetness of the Brasil CD with Joao Gilberto and Caetano Veloso, to the cutting edge of the Quanta recording, and now to the Bahia-meets-Kingston reggae project. Listen to the Brazilian instruments on Three Little Birds, or Gil's Portuguese lyrics on No Woman, No Cry, or Gil's own Table Tennis Table ("this me/we game...like I and I"), to understand that the world is getting smaller every day, and music is indeed a universal language. Far from being "any old foreigner" who wants to re-record classic cuts, as one reviewer claimed, Gilberto Gil is to Brazil what Bob Marley is to Jamaica, and his interpretations of Marley's signature songs are pure gold in themselves while paying tribute to Marley' genius. This is music with a message that will also rock the house. Listen to Could You Be Loved, and you'll wish it could go on forever!"

Bob Marley's spirit through Gilberto Gil's voice

Neal C. Reynolds | Indianapolis, Indiana | 05/29/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Gilberto Gil here does much more than duplicate Bob Marley, although the basic sound indeed is in the same spirit. The difference is subtle at first until you listen several times, and actually play the Marley original side by side with the Gil interpretation. This is as it should be. Gil shows the utmost respect to Marley by resisting any impulse to take over. But the difference is very definitely there when you tune in to the instrumentation, and it is the instrumentation which adds the Brazilian flavor. So listen carefully and you'll be impressed by the way Gil pays homage to Bob Marley, and still gives a Brazilian interpretation without attempts to "improve" or "personalize". Sincerely and highly recommended."

Can't Stop Listening To It

Owlyn | Bucks County, PA | 01/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is incredible- I can't stop listening to it. I have a different favorite song every day. The sad irony of Marley's songs is emphasized by Gil's bouncy yet faithful renditions ("Buffalo Soldier", for example). It is a work of genius by a genius honoring a genius. The weaving of Portugese into various songs just adds to their beauty. The music evokes emotions from tears ("No Woman, No Cry", of course) to laughter ("Easy Skankin'"). Take it ssllloooowwwww..."