Gilberto Gil, the charismatic musician from Salvador, Brazil, is so much a part of Brazilian culture he even became minister of culture in 2003, a post he held for five years. His rise to fame began in the late '60s with his beautiful bossa novas, resulting in a career that spans 50 years. It's definitely an understatement to say Gil's had some sharp highs and deep lows over that half century.
For example, the run-ins with the Brazilian government in the late '60s, leading to jail time and exile. This came about because Gil, along with Caetano Veloso, Gal Costa and Tom Zé, was responsible for the Tropicália movement. It fused Brazilian and foreign influences and was famously critical of Brazil's then military regime.
Musically, maybe exile didn't hurt. In London, Gil immersed himself in English culture and rock 'n' roll. He eventually took those influences back to Brazil, but also spent time in Africa and explored reggae and Afrobeat. All the while, he was helping mould Brazilian culture, through politics as well as music. Minister of culture wasn't Gil's first political gig — the musician actually started with local government in Bahia.
Today, Gil has put politics behind him and he's back on the road doing what he loves most, playing music. He’ll be at Massey Hall in Toronto on Monday night, followed by dates in Ottawa, Quebec and Montreal.
I spoke to Gil on the phone from North Carolina in advance of his visit to Canada. He only had about 10 minutes to talk, but we crammed as much as we could into that time. Here's some of what he had to say.
Why he loves being on the road (at 70)
First, because it’s my work, my living. I’m not a rich man. I have a big family and many children. Secondly, it’s the pleasure of doing the thing that I like most in life, which is music. And also being able to present and expose Brazilian culture to foreign audiences, audiences in Europe and America and Asia. This is very exciting.
Listen to one of Gil's early hits, "Aquele Abraco."
How he felt about being minister of culture
The arrival of President Lula as head of Brazilian civil society was an achievement for Brazilian society because he originated from a very low sector of society and his ascent to the higher level was very meaningful for Brazil. Accepting his invitation to be his minister of culture was important for Brazil. For the first time we had an artist, a musician appointed. And being minister of culture, I was able to discuss what culture is, what culture should be and was able to design public policies concerning the poorest sectors of society and try to give them opportunities.
What he remembers most from being little Gilberto Gil
At the end of World War II. I was two and a half, but the commotion and the impact in our community was very remarkable. I still have the images in my eyes.
At age nine, I moved to Salvador for secondary school. I was in a big school with 500 kids for the first time. It was so emotional for me.
I was 16 when I heard bossa nova singer João Gilberto. That was very important for me, and had an extraordinary impact, changing my life completely. I was already playing accordion but then I decided to play guitar because of the sound and style of João Gilberto.
Prison, exile, Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix
At age 22 or 23 I graduated university and moved to São Paulo to follow a career as a businessman. I quit because music invaded my life in São Paulo. I became a musician and my pop star career was initiated.
Then when I was imprisoned in December 1968. After three months in prison I was exiled to London. That was a big moment in London with my friend Caetano [Veloso]. And being exposed to the whole different world of Europe and England — the new culture and language.
I bought my first electric guitar at a shop in London. Before then I just played acoustic guitar in the Brazilian bossa nova style but then I started with the electric guitar.
And then during those three years in London I saw Bob Dylan for the first time. I also saw Jimi Hendrix in his last concert in England, a week before he died. So many things.
Watch Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil cover Hendrix and explain his importance.
Then I moved back in Brazil, and it was a whole new perspective.
While all that was going on [musically], [there were my] marriages … the first marriage, the first child then the first child born in London from the second marriage already … everything is important!
Editor's note: this interview has been condensed and edited.
Gilberto Gil plays in Toronto at Massey Hall on Monday, Nov. 19, in Ottawa at Dominion-Chalmers United Church on Nov. 20, in Quebec City at Palais Montcalm on Nov. 22, and in Montreal at Maisonneuve Theatre de la Place des Arts on Nov. 23.
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