Documents from Gilberto Gil's Private Archive

Gilberto GII C2 ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL Sunday, September 10. WU Brazilian Matches Messages, Rhythms GILBERTO GIL - "O Eterno Deus Mudanca" (Tropical Storm), GONZAGUINHA - "É" (World Pacific) and ELEMENTS - "Spirit River" (RCA/NOVUS). This is the latest album from composer/guitarist Gilberto Gil, a justly heroic figure in Brazilian popular music for the past 25 years. His music has reflected, according to music historian Charles Perrone, Gil's interest * in self-betterment through spirituality and in an exploration of the strains of Black culture. Along the way, Gil has tried to reconcile his creative impulses with the appetites of mass culture. The new album is a treasure trove, a culmination and updating of some of Gil's long-term political and personal concerns. The title cut, which translates as "The Eternal God of Change," asks people to accept the inevitability of change. It's also a hot dance number propelled by Raul Mascarenhas' sax solos, as its lyrics declare: "Sit down!/Rise up!/Get ready to celebrate! The God of change/The eternal God of change/May be peaceful change/May be with your spear?" Though Gil's rhythms are seductive, the lyrics are required listening. (English translations are provided.) For example, the song "Toda Saudade" (Longing So i Much) is a lyrical poetic statement and there are sharp, ironic observations about such diverse subjects as Bob Dylan, Blacks in Brazil, and Japanese productivity This is a compelling album with i universal appeal.