Gilberto Gil

Gilberto Gil is one of the biggest singers/composers in Brazil, and currently the brazilian Minister of Culture. He was awarded the Polar Prize Award this year (a kind of musical Oscar for his career, given by the swedish academy), together with the german baritone Fischer-Dieskau (the best Bach's "Kreuzstab" St. John's Passion solo I have ever heard...) .

After receiving the prize from the King, Gil gave a concert to the general public last tuesday and me, Gonçalo, Levi, Anna, Annette and Nina were there, seated in THE FIRST ROW! Gil, now aged 63 (!), was two/three meters from us, it was incredible!!! He performed his most recent album "Electracústico" (live recording), and a couple of classics. We danced and we clapped to the sound of "Aquele abraço", "Barracos", were moved by the acoustic version of "Drão"... this whole brazilian sound and feeling invaded us... We then asked for "Sítio do Picapau Amarelo" but he didn't play it, even though he smiled at us...

At the end of the show, we went to talk with him (and I got my photo with Gil and the autographs on the "set list" Gil used to run the show, which Gonçalo promptly suggested to auction on e-Bay :-) . They are going to play in Portugal, Lisboa, 2nd. of August and told us to meet them for lunch at "Tasca da D. Adelaide"!!! So, now you know where to find him!
And to listen to his music, go to:

www.gilbertogil.com.br