Nature’s Celebration in Music
Masterful song writer and performer, Dil Fonseca is one of those voices you cannot forget. With songs dealing with nature, social themes and love, the musical world of Dil Fonseca is full of intricate harmonies and outstanding lyrics. His independent debut release is a strong statement about the quality music of Brazil. With each listening — and you will be playing this CD over and over — new discoveries emerge, new sounds captivate you.
In the language of the Brazilian Waimiri-Atroari natives, Marubá means celebration, party. Marubá is indeed a celebration of joy, passion and simplicity. The diverse range of emotions and textures is aptly presented in twelve original songs, mostly all written by Dil Fonseca alone. In two of those tracks, “Bobagem” and “Boreste,” his collaborator is Marcos Sacramento, who also shares vocals in “Boreste.” Another guest vocalist is Rita Peixoto’s strong voice in “Nau do Amor.” Some of the artists in Fonseca’s band include Dôdo Ferreira (acoustic bass), Carlos Fuchs (piano), Lui Coimbra (cello), Sidon Silva and Di Lutgardes (percussion) and in addition to the two guest vocalists mentioned above, Clara Sandroni also does some guest vocals.
The album opens with the entrancing and mystifying title track. There is a certain calmness in Fonseca’s guitar accompaniment and Antonio Saraiva’s and Alexandre Bittencourt’s flute solos. Peace and harmony abound in this song about traveling down a river, gathering food, preparing for a celebration. When the chorus adds its vocals, “Marubá” explodes with life. In contrast to nature, the megalopolis of São Paulo is featured in “Paulo.” Here Fonseca explores the beauty that many seem to miss when writing about São Paulo. The historical neighborhoods, the ethnic composition, the busy avenues — all is present in this beautiful waltz. As a prelude to another song, in “Paulo” Fonseca makes reference to two other Brazilian classics honoring São Paulo: Caetano Veloso’s “Sampa” and Paulo Vanzolini’s “Ronda.” The innocence of “Os Meninos da Rua” is another tender moment of this album. The reggae-like “Boreste” sets the tone for the contagious samba “Sambeto,” a clever and humorous look at the influence of samba in Fonseca’s musical upbringing.
Dil Fonseca is overwhelming and enrapturing in his art. He can be complex without losing objectivity, simple without being banal. And just when you think you have heard it all, Fonseca mesmerizes you with the instrumental “Pedal.” The closing track, “Nu,” features just Fonseca’s guitar and voice. What an amazing tune that is, and what a gorgeous performance. An accomplished guitarist and song writer, Dil Fonseca is a treasure waiting to be explored.
You can preview this wonderful CD at Fonseca’s web site.
ALBUM INFORMATION
Dil Fonseca
Marubá
Independent DIL2000 (2000)
Time: 40’17”
Tracks:
All songs by Dil Fonseca, except where noted.
- Marubá
- Paulo
- Meninos da Rua
- Boreste (Dil Fonseca – Marcos Sacramento)
- Sambeto
- Chapada
- Nau do Amor
- Pedal
- Bobagem (Dil Fonseca – Marcos Sacramento)
- Escorrer
- Nu
- Chapada (vinheta)
A modified version of this review first appeared in Luna Kafé in November 2000.
