Documents from Gilberto Gil's Private Archive

Return to regular web page news Brazilian superstar Gil in rare, solo form Celeste Headlee / Special to The Detroit News 'Gilberto Gil is an international superstar," Sueann Caulfield says. "But he doesn't seem that way at home." Caulfield teaches history at the University of Michigan and says Gil has had an enormous impact on world music. "He's contributed to every popular music movement in Brazil since the 1960s," she says. Gil is performing tonight at Hill Auditorium, playing songs from his new album "Gil Luminoso." The album is the legendary musician's only recording made without a band; his distinctive voice is heard almost nakedly, accompanied by a single acoustic guitar This is a printer friendly version of an article from The Detroit News To print this article open the file menu and choose Print March 16, 2007 He is perhaps the most renowned and beloved figure in Brazilian popular music. In the 1960s, he was a driving force behind the Tropicalia movement in Brazil, an anti-authoritarian philosophy that so frightened the ruling military dictatorship that Gil was exiled. Gil's blend of samba, salsa, bossa nova, folk and rock styles has made him a powerful force in world music for decades. "He's been so versatile throughout his career," Caulfield says. "He's always trying something new. Innovation is one of the characteristics of his career." The concert in Ann Arbor will certainly be a new sound for Gil, as he performs alone on stage with his guitar. It's a rare chance to have an intimate encounter with one of the world's most prominent musicians. Celeste Headlee is a Metro Detroit freelance writer and cultural reporter for WDET-FM (101.9). Return to regular web page