Banda Dois

Having quit formal politics and swapped President Lula and Brasilia for a return to the international circuit, Gil presents us a live set of pre-tropicalia acoustic songs with his son Bem on guitar, tambourine and pandeiro drum. Guests dropping in include another of his sons, José, and most notably, the new superstar singer Maria Rita (daughter of the legendary samba star Elis Regina).

A typical Brazilian family affair, it’s a soulful, gorgeous selection and within a few bars of each song, the São Paulo audience is cheering in recognition. The set is packed with moments of his gorgeously complex and unpredictable guitar chording and soothingly beautiful vocals which – just occasionally – show tiny lapses in accuracy after decades of performing.

The set list includes the 70s classic ‘Espresso 2222, written on returning to Rio from exile in London, and now showcasing Bem's samba tambourine skills. There's also the timelessly appropriate, irresistibly jumpy samba comment on American imperialism and praise for Brazil's musical traditions, ‘Chiclete com Banana’.

Maria Rita's breathy samba voice on ‘Amor Até o Fim’, in duet with Gil's individual style, is a breathtaking intertwining of carioca sensuality. Another high spot is his evergreen hit ‘Refavela’, which brings in José's discreet funk basslines. Those two songs alone re¬confirm the ex-culture minister's place at the forefront of world music.