The Magic of Brazilian Music
I picked up some of the following while in Rio. Not sure if it is all available here. Adriana Calcanhotto "Publico" a very nice live recording of her and her guitar. Marisa Monte "Verde Anil Amerelo cor de Rosa E Carvao" more well known and readily available. Definitely pop but very well done. Os Paralamas do Sucesso (The Mudflaps of Success) for some Brazilian pop/rock. I caught a music video on Brazilian MTV and was captivated by the high energy. You have to include Antonio Carlos Jobim. Gal Costa's "Canta Tom Jobim" may be the perfect collection of what most Americans think of as traditional Brazilian music, i.e "Girl from Ipanema" . Also on DVD video. Maria Bethania, in the vein of Gal Costa. Toquinho and Vinicius De Moraes are also in the same camp. I am not familiar with Maria Creuza but see that she collaborates with Vinicius. Do you have specific titles you can recommend of hers? I also see Pinheiro and especially Milton Nascimento and Caetano Veloso have recorded quite a few albums. Any specific titles you can recommend to start with? |
I second the Marisa Monte. Equally if not more so, I suggest the following self-titled CD which can be had on Amazon: Joao Gilberto [IMPORT] Original Release Date: February 6, 1991 Label: Polygram Int'l Catalog: #837589 This one is just Joao, his guitar, and a couple of very close microphones. It's so intimate it sounds like he's in the room with you. Thanks all for the other suggestions. |
Great suggestions. I'm going shopping right now! Herman, Milton & Caetano do each have many albums. Some starting points: NASCIMENTO: Milton Miltons (Listen to the song Sao Vicente & Weeeeeeep!) Clube da Esquina VELOSO: Best of (For a flavor of Veloso) Tropicalia (with Gilberto Gil)--Will hook you from the first note! Maria Bethania is Caetano Veloso's sister. I'd like to go to one of their family reunions. Gal Costa could sing jingles for bathroom cleanser and my heart would still skip a beat. |
Where's the Samba guys? I really like many of the above performers but you need a little "heavy Samba" to add to the mix. Might I add for Samba and Pagode the following: Jorge Aragon (both) Zeco Pagodinho (Heavy Samba) Raca Negra - (Pagode) Beth Carvalho - (both) Dijavan - I don't know how to classify this music it is so original. Jovina Perola Negra (Samba) Also you may want to check out Simone and Marisa Monte "Mais". Another up and coming female artist that I really love is Anna Carolina. There are so many distinctive Brazilian female vocalists, many more that we have here in the states, it seems to me. So far as Gal Costa and Jorge Aragon go, I saw them both at 2 different shows this past July at Canecao in Rio. Both shows were excellent but the Gal Costa show was just extraordinary, what a performer and singer. If the opportunity EVER presents itself, don't miss out, as she is among the very best female vocalists alive today that I'm aware of. Jorge was great as well with many guest performers during the 2.5 hour show. I had to pay some premium prices for both as they were sold out and the scalpers were in full force but it was well worth it. |
If you are into SACD, then try Wilma de Oliveira. You'll be pleasantly surprised. Here's a review. |
There are so many distinctive Brazilian female vocalists, many more that we have here in the states, it seems to me. I don't know about that, Tubegroover. My 10 yr old niece would have to take issue with that statement, as she'd take Hilary Duff over Gal Costa any day! Do you live in Brazil, or you just go there to see these concerts, and to make other Brazilian music fanatics jealous? Thanks for all of the recommendations. My wife is a big lover of samba, so I'll get some of those as well. |
Check out Horse and Fish by Vinicius Cantuária at the Amazon link below. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0001XXANA/002-3736991-9501627?v=glance |
No mention of Elis Regina?!! The greatest!! She had the sophistication of many of the current crop of singers, combined with a directness and, at times, grittiness reminescent of, if you can believe it, Janis Joplin. Check her out! By the way, if you want some incredible instrumentals, check out Ermeto Pasqual. |
Got to the Chesky Records web site http://www.chesky.com David Chesky is a big fan of Brazilian music, the CD catalog has a specific section for brazilian music. Some of my favorites are Ana Caram, Badi Assad and Rosa Passos |
