:: Reviewing Brazilian Music We Like Since September 7, 2002 ::
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Absorbing Influences Guitarist João Gaspar shows up with an album that proves again that the seldom recognized high quality of Brazilian Jazz certainly deserves more attention. It’s weird how this music still is difficult to “sell” in or outside … Continued
Portuguese Brazilian Maria João Monteiro Grancha (Lisbon, Portugal; 1956) is one of Europe’s more adventurous and original musicians. With a strong interest in jazz, she decided to study the music style at the Hot Club in Lisbon, the city’s … Continued
The Right Time and Place Piano, bass, drums, acoustic guitar, a classy repertoire and Fernanda Cunha’s polished performance — that’s the recipe for this excellent debut recording. O Tempo e o Lugar is one of those albums to be enjoyed … Continued
Minas Gerais Wealth The landlocked state of Minas Gerais has given Brazil many renowned artists. Anyone who has been exposed to a little more than “The Girl from Ipanema” is bound to recognize at least one or more of … Continued
Well-Deserved Respect Four years after her first Biscoito Fino release (Casa de Oceano), Simone Guimarães returns with Flor de Pão. The album is full of surprises, including a rich roster of special guests and Simone’s vocal diversity with … Continued
A Solo Debut In a country with a long-standing tradition of outstanding guitarists — some familiar names are Lula Galvão, Guinga, Ricardo Silveira, Baden Powell, Dilermando Reis, Chico Pinheiro and many more — it is always fascinating to find out … Continued
At Last! Some things are worth waiting for almost a lifetime. EmCantos Geraes is a perfect example. With a repertoire rich with the Minas Gerais musical tradition, this album deserves wider recognition. Recorded in the historical Estúdio Maestro Alceo … Continued
A New High Fábio Torres, Paulo Paulelli and Edu Ribeiro have enjoyed separate musical careers for some time. Now, joining their talents on Corrente, they reach a new high. Torres (São Paulo, 1971) is an excellent pianist who has performed … Continued
Music Is in His Family Coming from a musical family — his father is Arismar do Espírito Santo and his mother is Silvia Góes — Thiago Espírito Santo has music in his veins. Besides his work with mom and … Continued
Veritas Verocai Just when you think that Bossa Nova has covered it all or that it has become stale, someone comes along to shake things up with a delectable and irresistible Bossa Nova album. Saudade Demais fits the bill brilliantly! … Continued
Voice and Guitar Ana Caram, Aparecida Silvino, Bebel Gilberto, Carol Saboya, Clarisse Grova, Elis Regina, Fátima Guedes, Gal Costa, Idilva Germano, Joyce, Leila Pinheiro, Maria Bethânia, Nana Caymmi, Rosa Passos, Simone, Simone Guimarães, Suely Costa, Zélia Duncan — unquestionable … Continued
An Impressive Album First off some trivia. Pedra Bonita has received four releases to date. The original album was first released in Japan in 1994 (BMG Victor). According to Adnet’s site, that album version lists only 15 tracks. “Ainda Não” … Continued