Sambabook
Sambabook is a collection celebrating the rich legacy of Brazilian music, culture, and samba. To date there are tributes to João Nogueira, Martinho da Vila, Zeca Pagodinho, Dona Ivone Lara, and Jorge Aragão.
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
Ceumar: Espiral
A World of Brazil — It’s been a while since Ceumar stopped by here at MúsicaBrasileira.org. Of course there was Viola Perfumosa (a project with Lui Coimbra (cello) and Paulo Freire (viola caipira)) in 2018, but for Ceumar’s last album … Continued
Sadao Watanabe: Naturally
Natural — It’s not the first time that Sadao Watanabe ventures into Brazilian music. Actually, the sympathetic saxophonist from Japan has been playing Brazilian (influenced) music for many many years. He was born on February 1st, 1933, in a place … Continued
Nana Caymmi: Nana, Tom, Vinícius
— Although Nana Caymmi has previously recorded songs from the Tom Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes songbook, it was only until now, in July 2020, that she has dedicated an entire album to their music. In Nana, Tom, Vinícius, she … Continued
João Bosco: Twice Strong
— It’s always very welcoming when João Bosco has a new album. Ever since his early days, Bosco has been consistently making successful albums and writing songs that garner both the media and public acclaim. Back in 1972, his song … Continued
Yana Purim: A Short Overview
During my first visit to Rio de Janeiro, way back in 1983, I was wandering through the record stores, looking my eyes out. So much music! Suddenly I noticed an LP by Yana Purim. Would she be related to Flora … Continued
Antonio Adolfo
— I do not think there is any other composer in Brazil busier and more prolific than Antonio Adolfo. The last time I reviewed one of his albums was back in 2016 (Tropical Infinito). Since then, he has released five … Continued
Aldir Blanc
— On Monday, May 4, 2020, Brazil lost one of her exponents in songwriting. Aldir Blanc, poet, lyricist, journalist, and psychiatrist by trade, passed away due to complications to COVID-19. A native of Rio de Janeiro (born on September 2, … Continued
Dan Costa & Ivan Lins: Love Dance
— It is not every day I sit down to review a single track or video. I recall having done it previously when Conrado Paulino & Rosa Passos presented us with their rendition of “Eu Sei Que Vou Te Amar.” … Continued
Week of April 9, 2020
— A new week in these strange quiet times is about to start. What better way to spend the time you have at home and enjoy these two releases featured for the week of April 9, 2020. The first is … Continued
Danilo Brito
Double Greatness — Have you ever wondered what it would be like if Jacob do Bandolim (Rio de Janeiro, 1918-1969) could have met and played with Ernesto Nazareth (Rio de Janeiro, 1863-1934)? Arguably one of Brazil’s greatest mandolin players, Jacob … Continued