A hidden gem from bossa nova pioneer João Gilberto resurfaces with the reissue of 1970 En México, capturing the artist in artistic exile during his time in Mexico City. This intimate album blends timeless Brazilian classics, sultry boleros, and jazz standards, all filtered through Gilberto’s signature whisper-soft vocals and minimalist guitar accompaniment.
Recorded live in the vibrant heart of Mexico City, En México showcases Gilberto’s unparalleled ability to transcend borders. Standout tracks include the iconic bolero “Bésame Mucho,” reimagined with his delicate touch, alongside Brazilian favorites like “Ela é Carioca.” The result is a cross-cultural treasure – introspective, elegant, and effortlessly cool – that reveals Gilberto’s timeless innovation amid personal and political exile.
Gilberto’s work in Mexico represents a magical intersection of worlds. It’s bossa nova at its most vulnerable and universal, a whisper that echoes across continents.