THOUGH SEU JORGE has released several fantastic solo records and starred in a dozen movies, his role in Wes Anderson’s 2004 film The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou is probably his most iconic performance. Aboard the rickety Belafonte in search of the elusive “jaguar shark,” the Brazilian actor/musician became Pelé dos Santos, the ship’s aloof safety expert and seabound troubadour.
As dos Santos, Jorge could often be found alone in the vessel’s quiet corners with his acoustic guitar, gingerly coaxing new textures out of David Bowie classics through Portuguese-language covers. The electrifying zigzag of Bowie’s instantly recognizable “Rebel Rebel” guitar hook softens into gentle, playful bossa nova, and “Starman” replaces sweeping grandeur with unassuming sweetness.