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
Humberto Barros: 5xperiência 05
Illustrated Music — Now that the world quietly seems to recover, we’ll soon be pleased by releases of new music. The business was very low for the past two years — but hurrah! — it’s slowly reaching the markets again. … Continued
Poetry in Forró and Samba
— The doldrums in Brazilian music do seem to have ended. More artists are coming out with new projects whether with full-length CDs or singles of upcoming albums (hopefully). In these past two weeks, I saw singles from Zé Paulo … Continued
Samba Squared
— What a terrific start to the year! Not one but two noteworthy samba albums appeared on all streaming platforms at the start of 2022. Is this going to be the year of the Samba? Well, read on. If this … Continued
Belchior Revisited
— Antônio Carlos Gomes Belchior Fontenelle Fernandes, or Belchior, as he was simply known in the Brazilian musical scene, was born in Sobral (Oct. 26, 1946) in the northeast state of Ceará, Brazil. He was a founding member of the … Continued
2021 in Review (Part 2 of 2)
— In addition to Egídio’s wonderful initiative to write a year in review, I take up four albums that represent 2021 for me. Musicians from all over the world lived an unreal life, I guess. In 2021 we had live … Continued
2021 in Review (Part 1 of 2)
Another year has ended. With the world still dealing with what seems to be an unending pandemic, Brazilian music is no exception to having suffered because of COVID. Based on the music I have acquired and listened to in 2021 … Continued
Antonio Adolfo: Jobim Forever
— I suppose it is no surprise for fans and critics alike to agree that we have learned to expect the best when it comes from the mind and hands of Antonio Adolfo. His discography covers a wide array of … Continued
Ricardo Silveira: Solo
— In these pandemic times, besides being around and in close contact with friends and family, one thing I have terribly missed is being able to enjoy new music from my favorite artists. With everyone socially distancing, it is really … Continued
Vanderlei Pereira and Blindfold Test: Vision for Rhythm
A Special Vision — What a wonderful surprise it was to learn about the CD release of drummer Vanderlei Pereira’s first solo album, Vision for Rhythm! I started to look for the CD and found it without problems at an … Continued
Dan Costa: Live in California
Inimitable Style — In a pandemic year, when music production turned inwards and artists were suddenly unable to perform in front of live audiences, Dan Costa did not stop producing great music. You may recall back in April when I spotlighted … Continued