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
Renato Braz: Saudade
A Voice for the Ages! Can saudade be accurately defined? Arguably not. Most people believe that the Brazilian word for deep, almost painful, longing and nostalgia is a feeling that offers no direct translation in any other language. Instead of trying … Continued
Wanda Sá: Ao Vivo
All about Bossa Nova When Wanda Sá, born in São Paulo (1944) but living in Rio since she was one month old, released her first album, Vagamente (1964), Brazil had its personification of Bossa Nova. With her soft, sultry voice, … Continued
Caymmi Centenário
The Immortality of Dorival Caymmi How special can it get: an album that opens with the voices of Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil and Chico Buarque. Something serious must be going on… It must have been since 1995 when the three … Continued
SpokFrevo Orquestra: Ninho de Vespa
Frevo Fever! The time has finally come for world listeners to enjoy one of the most venerable and electrifying musical genres in Brazil. Still very much alive in the northeastern state of Pernambuco, Frevo is synonymous with Carnaval in the … Continued
Mario Adnet: Vinícius & Os Maestros – Orquestra e Convidados
A New Vinícius… After dedicating albums to the music of Villa-Lobos, Tom Jobim, Baden Powell and Moacir Santos, Mario Adnet decided to showcase the compositions of Vinícius de Moraes with other maestros. In Vinícius & Os Maestros the listener will not … Continued
Dori Caymmi: Poesia Musicada
Musically Poetic When you have had a songwriting partner for over 42 years (and counting!), it is only natural that new music flows almost effortlessly. Such is the case of Poesia Musicada, Dori Caymmi’s latest release (out on November … Continued
Dori Caymmi: Inner World
An Unforgettable Voice A new Dori Caymmi album is always a welcome addition in my personal collection. A superb arranger and master songwriter and guitarist, Dori also has a voice that soothes and carries the timbre of his late … Continued
Joyce and Special Guests: 50 Years of Bossa
50 Years of Bossa Nova A few years after a very successful commemoration of Tropicalismo (see also: Os Mutantes Ao Vivo), the beautiful Barbican Center in London, England, was now host of a 50 Years of Bossa Nova … Continued
Joyce: Astronauta – Songs of Elis
A Heartfelt Tribute January 19, 1982, is a day many will always remember in Brazil. On that day, Elis Regina, arguably the greatest performer ever in Brazilian music, passed away. For years after her death, on that date, TV … Continued
A Brasilian Christmas (Various Artists)
Christmas South of the Equator If you have ever wondered what it is like to spend Christmas in the southern hemisphere, where it is summer in December, then you know what to expect from A Brasilian Christmas. This … Continued
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