The Art of the Word
Once in a while an album lands in your hands and makes you wonder why more people do not take notice of it. Whether with its artful liner notes, the smooth singer’s voice and precise articulation or the lyricism and melodiousness of crafty songs, the album causes you to play it over and over and relish each new discovery. It is a surprising gift that keeps on giving and never loses its appeal. Such is Eu Venho Vagando no Ar, Túlio Borges’ debut album.
Born in Brasília (1980), Túlio Borges studied communications, law and psychology, but it was music the driving force in his life. An aficionado of Brazilian music as well as jazz and fado, Túlio’s love of music includes such exponents as Oscar Peterson, João Gilberto, Rosa Passos and other stellar MPB names. So, it is no wonder that his captivating vocals, songs and performances get you completely enthralled in his music. After a brief stay in Seattle in the mid- to late 1990s, Túlio returned to Brazil and has now produced and arranged this beautiful debut album. With amazing skills as a songwriter, Túlio takes us on an enjoyable journey through his music with folk chants, forró, samba, blues and even a fado.The music in Eu Venho Vagando no Ar is fascinating both melodically and lyrically.
Eu Venho Vagando no Ar features, among other musicians, Rafael do Anjos (acoustic guitar), Pedro Vasconcellos (cavaquinho), Leander Motta (percussion), Leandro Braga (piano) and Toninho Ferragutti (accordion). The opener, “Pontos,” is performed mostly a cappella except for some additional percussion accompaniment. The longing feeling in the lyrics is aptly expressed in Túlio’s rendition. One of the distinctive features of this album is how seamless one genre nicely flows into another. For example, “Trem” and its northeastern flavor (thanks to Ferragutti’s accordion) leads beautifully into “Zorro,” a fado, performed with Vytória Rudan, and that is followed with “Shirley,” a blues with an incredible guitar solo by Genil Castro.
One of my favorite songs in the album is “Birosca,” a nice samba that will inevitably make you think of Noel Rosa’s music. It’s like being at Vila Isabel, Noel’s neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro. In addition to Túlio’s performance, the arrangement and lyrics, Ademir Júnior’s clarinet solo completes this winning song. Then we have a love trilogy with “Sua,” “Paraty” and “Cicatriz.” The love ballad “Sua” is astounding. Túlio, on piano, gives soaring vocals with an unforgettable and melancholic accordion solo by Ferragutti. The nearly breathless love plea asking to be yours is beautifully heartfelt. The middle piece in this trilogy is “Paraty,” a declaration of love at first sight played in a soft samba. Rounding up the trilogy, “Cicatriz” brings back Leandro Braga on piano accompanying Túlio’s poetry. The saudade, the pain and the bare living are the scars left behind by one’s love.
Eu Venho Vagando no Ar is one of those precious findings that you will come back to several times. The music is beautifully produced and arranged. Túlio Borges gives us just the right tone in these unforgettable performances.
To learn more about the artist and this release, please visit Túlio Borges.
ALBUM INFORMATION
Túlio Borges
Eu Venho Vagando no Ar
Independent (2010)
Time: 55’45”
Tracks:
All tracks by Túlio Borges, except where noted.
- Pontos (Traditional; adapted by Túlio Borges)
- Trem
- Zorro (Túlio Borges – Vytória Rudan) – w/ Vytória Rudan
- Shirley
- Birosca
- Altar – w/ Fred Martins
- Toca Aí
- Sua
- Paraty (Vytória Rudan – Túlio Borges)
- Cicatriz
- Ói/Morro de Rir
- Eu Venho Vagando no Ar
