:: Reviewing Brazilian Music We Like Since September 7, 2002 ::
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The Seduction of Piano and Voice. I have seen and heard several releases of piano and voice through the years. The minimalist approach is always very seductive, especially when one artist seems to be an extension of the other. … Continued
A Solid Release — When I heard that Marianna Leporace was working on a new project last year, I got curious about it. My expectations began to grow as I went back to her previous releases and re-listened to gems such … Continued
There Are Still Certainties in Life A vocals/guitar set-up with Leila Pinheiro and Nelson Faria can only be interesting. And it is! Guitarist Nelson Faria has the quality to inspire the performances of the musicians he’s teamed up with. Even an experienced singer as Leila … Continued
A Natural Merge The flute has a special place in Brazilian music. A Bossa Nova arrangement that includes a flute solo is far beyond cool and perfectly embodies what is so Brazilian in that track. Whether it is Altamiro Carrilho, … Continued
Brazil from the Heart Her voice is silky smooth, her phrasing always right with just the right inflection and emotion, and when she comes out with a new album, one immediately rushes to get it. It is immediate gratification when … Continued
A Desert Island Album The year 2012 marked the 30th anniversary of Elis Regina’s death. One of the world’s most remarkable voices (see NPR’s 50 Great Voices), Elis died too young — barely 37 years of age (Rio Grande … Continued
Brazil in a Jazzy Way It’s always fun to hear Brazilian music performed by non-Brazilians. That is, of course, if the music is well-performed and with the right dedication. The approach is often refreshing; not seldom enriched with of a … Continued
Classics at Ease — Boston based duo Anna Borges and Bill Ward, or Receita de Samba, have released their first album, and it comes packed with Brazilian classics. Although it is a comfortable and safe proposition for this undertaking, their … Continued
Three Masters Guinga’s, Chico Buarque’s and Antonio Adolfo’s music are the focus in Antonio Adolfo’s latest album, Chora Baião. As with his previous releases, the meticulous selection and arrangements produce again a remarkably enjoyable album. Also as the consummate educator … Continued
Another Outstanding Performance Love, celebration and devotion. Three nouns that characterize the sentiment of Maria Bethânia’s most recent studio efforts. In 2009 the singer from Bahia released two albums, Encanteria and Tua. The first about faith; the latter about … Continued
Pieces of Brazil Rio de Janeiro native and UNIRIO School of Music graduate Rogê is not new to Brazilian music. His first album with Bandavera in 1993 launched his music career. Then in 2003 he released his first solo … Continued
A Desert Island Disc When I first bought this 1977 album, it was the LP version only. Besides João Gilberto’s definitive renditions of Brazilian classics, he also put his mark on and made world classics such as “‘S Wonderful,” … Continued
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