There is no photo of Gilberto Gil on the cover or in the booklet of the inlay. Perhaps the singer was tired of being the center of attention. For the past four years he has worked as a culture minister. In early 2008, President Lula announced that "Gil chose to focus back on what is where his heart lies" or making music. Obviously that was not, because Gil had a polyp on his vocal cord that prevented
… him from singing for a while. That forced break may explain the fun that characterizes Banda Larga Cordel. Gil proves to be an omnivore who, together with his backing band, dips to his heart's content in a multitude of styles. Samba, bossa, reggae and sweet pop ballads all come along. La Renaissance Africaine, a song that Gil wrote in Senegal, stands out for its synthesizer beat and text in French. It is a fine illustration of the audacity and pleasure that Gil has found again with Banda Larga Cordel. (PdK)more
