Brazilian Vocalist Bebel Gilberto Pays Tribute to Neil Young at Carnegie Hall

Although Bebel Gilberto is primarily known as a bossa nova singer with Brazilian roots, she is also a native New Yorker. The daughter of the legendary musician Joao Gilberto and the singer Míucha, Bebel has lived in New York City for 20 years since moving from Ipanema in Brazil.  “It makes me feel like a normal person like everyone else,” said the 44-year-old singer about residing here.

Tomorrow night, Gilberto will be performing at Carnegie Hall for a tribute to Neil Young, joining the likes of Patti Smith, Shawn Colvin, Juliana Hatfield and Evan Dando, and Nada Surf. For the Neil Young tribute show, Gilberto will perform the song “Harvest Moon,” which originally appeared on Young’s 1992 album of the same name. 

"I respect Neil Young a lot," said Gilberto. She added that she couldn't stop listening to "Harvest Moon" after hearing it on the soundtrack to the film "Eat Pray Love," which also features her song "Samba da Benção.” 

During her 25-year recording career, Gilberto has collaborated with the likes of David Byrne, Kenny G and Thievery Corporation.

Some of her musical influence comes from her parents. Her father, Joao, is best known for his collaboration with Stan Getz on the 1963 album “Getz/Gilberto,” and their hit “The Girl from Ipanema.”  According to her bio, Gilberto played at Carnegie Hall at age nine with her mother and Getz; she also took part in musicals.  “They were more part of my musical education,” says Gilberto of her parents. “They were part of it because I could listen to them even when they were far away.”

Bebel Gilberto will be performing in "The Music of Neil Young" concert Thursday at Carnegie Hall's Stern Auditorium, 881 7th Ave., 8 p.m.; $45-$140.

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