Gilberto Gil, RFH

Ex-Minister of Culture strips down to basics

by Peter CulshawFriday, 20 November 2009

Gilberto Gil: his massive back catalogue is the soundtrack to millions' lives

The last time I saw Gilberto Gil play he was performing high-energy reggae with an electric band. Last night, though, it was an autumnal, acoustic trio full of saudade, that Brazilian word that is somewhere between nostalgia, melancholy and homesickness. It made for a reflective, downbeat evening, but as there have been many Gilberto Gils recorded over 50 albums, we should at least be grateful that the cheesy Eighties funk style was left at home.

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