Different Directions
— Since early this year, I have been listening to some new Brazilian music with mixed results. A couple of singles — one by Maria Bethânia and the other by Marisa Monte — seem very promising for future releases. I … Continued
Simone: É Melhor Ser
A Female Songwriters’ Celebration! When it was time for Simone to celebrate her career’s 40th anniversary, she had no hesitation to celebrate Brazilian female songwriters. What a wise choice the Cigarra made in picking those songwriters for her 41st solo … Continued
Simone: Em Boa Companhia
Something Old, Something New Since recording her first album back in 1972, Simone’s career has spanned nearly four decades. Even with a few hiccups along the way — who wouldn’t in 40 years? — she has been able … Continued
Um Natal Brasileiro
Um Natal Brasileiro (A Brazilian Christmas) Here are the songs played in the podcast. Introduction: Poesia e Amor – Cristina Braga Feliz Natal – Clássicos Natalinos em Harpa (Visom VICD 00097, 1997) Natal das Crianças – Simone 25 de … Continued
Simone: Na Veia
Romantic Pop It does not come to me as a surprise that Simone’s follow-up album to Amigo É Casa is another incursion into a pop repertoire. Like other similar releases of the Cigarra, e.g., Seda Pura (2001), Na Veia … Continued
Simone & Zélia Duncan: Amigo É Casa – Ao Vivo
Extraordinary Women Caetano Veloso’s “Gatas Extraordinárias” song captures the essence of Simone and Zélia Duncan’s live recording Amigo É Casa very well. The two performers have had a solid career with their individual albums. With this 2008 CD and … Continued
Simone: Ao Vivo (2005)
With Thanks to the Special Guests… A few decades ago, Simone released a live album called Ao Vivo no Canecão (1980). It took years and years before another live cd reached the stores (Brasil, O Show, 1997). But … Continued
Simone: “Então Me Diz…”
“Então Me Diz…” Numa sala de um requintadíssimo hotel de São Paulo, alguns jornalistas foram convidados para uma audição especial do novo CD/DVD de Simone. No final da apresentação a cantora, muito simpática e descontraída, concedeu uma entrevista relacionada … Continued
Simone: Baiana Da Gema
Back at Home Simone is back at EMI Brasil, where most critics agree she had her best years. This album seems to be getting a lot of positive response from the critics. It also seems Simone has already … Continued
Simone: Feminino
Seductive Simone’s 3rd live album has a few surprises, such as the wonderful remake of Nana Caymmi’s hit “Resposta ao Tempo” and the not-so-wonderful cover of “V’Ambora.” Produced by Guto Graça Mello with arrangements by Ricardo Leão, Feminino’s weaknesses … Continued
Ivan Lins: Um Novo Tempo
Brazilian-Style Christmas It still surprises me that in a country with such Christmas traditions as Brazil has, there are not many recordings with holiday music. Even after Simone released her successful 25 de Dezembro in 1995, recording labels did … Continued
Simone: Fica Comigo Esta Noite
Getting Back on Track This album was long overdue. Simone’s last studio album with Brazilian music was back in 1996, Café com Leite. So, here is the chance for Simone to redeem herself from her unstable Columbia era. If you … Continued
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