:: Reviewing Brazilian Music We Like Since September 7, 2002 ::
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Romantic to the Core Released simultaneously with Encanteria, Tua brings another side of Maria Bethânia so familiar to her countless and loyal fans. Tua is Maria Bethânia’s heart singing just for you. At least that is the impression you … Continued
The African Sound of Minas Gerais A voice that certainly deserves more international attention is the one of Sérgio Correia dos Santos (1956). Born in Varginha, a city in the southwest of the state Minas Gerais, the singer, guitarist, composer … Continued
Standard and New Bossa Sergio Augusto deprived us listeners from his acoustic guitar and soothing vocals far too long. In 2005, he made a triumphal come back with Tudo Que Arde, Cura. Four years later, he gives us an … Continued
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
Twice as Good With his first two albums — Meia-Noite, Meio-Dia (2003) and Chico Pinheiro (2005) — Chico Pinheiro had already pretty much convinced me of his artistic abilities as a guitarist and composer. The right choice of music and … Continued
Music and Substance Some albums are made to be heard, and that way they are pleasing in so many ways: the music, the arrangements, the musicians. Other albums are meant to challenge your hearing pleasure by going beyond the … Continued
Like Father, Like Daughter Veteran pianist composer and arranger Antonio Adolfo (Rio de Janeiro, 1947) has maintained a prominent position in Brazilian music. Raised in a musical family, Antonio started his musical studies on the violin at age 7. The … 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
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
Fiery Choro! Dating back to the 1870’s, choro is Brazil’s most enduring and lively musical genre. It is the heart and soul of Brazilian music. A dynamic quintet, Rabo de Lagartixa is made up of Daniela Spielmann (saxes), Alessandro Valente … Continued
A Private Paradise Alaíde Costa (Rio de Janeiro, 1935) is one of Brazil’s living divas. Gifted with extraordinary voice and superb diction and phrasing, she has been making music for 50 years. To celebrate this outstanding career, she has … Continued
Joyful Tradition It was singer Elba Ramalho who suggested that Zezo Ribeiro and Chico César should team up and work together. It proved to be one of her better ideas. Zezo Ribeiro is a guitarist from São Paulo who … Continued