3 Aug 2018

Simone Guimarães: Simone Guimarães

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Brazilian and Universal Themes

Simone Guimarães— It has been five years since we last had a brand new studio album by Simone Guimarães. Her previous album was Clarice, a tribute to Brazilian writer Clarice Lispector. Now, with this self-titled CD, Simone Guimarães features ten brand new songs along with four others by names including Silvio Rodriguez, Leandro Braga and others.

This new release features twelve arrangements by pianist Leandro Braga along with two others by Felipe Gama (“Messing Around with You”) and Maurício Maestro (“Coração de Peixe”). The band accompanying the singer includes Leandro Braga (piano); João Gaspar (guitars, mandolin, ukelele); Marcus Thadeu (percussion); Rômulo Duarte (basses); and Lucas de Campos (cavaquinho, acoustic guitar on “Madrugad’Accord”). Luiz Felipe Gama is a guest on piano and responsible for the arrangement on “Messing Around with You.” Closing the album, “Coração de Peixe,” brings an arrangement by Maurício Maestro (who also plays acoustic guitar and samplers) and Novelli on bass.

It is wonderful to hear Simone Guimarães sing about strong themes always present in her songbook: nature, rivers, mythical figures and passionate love. Of course the addition of Leandro Braga on piano and arrangements only adds to the high quality of this CD. Simone Guimarães is stronger, more mature and in control of her art.

The opener, “Rio Doce,” is a clear winner. It takes us back to the singer’s favorite hills and transparent waters along with typical Brazilian themes of Aimorés (a native Brazilian tribe) and igarapés (narrow river tributaries). Marcus Thadeu’s use of atabaques brings in that authentic tribal sound along with haunting vocals. The next track, “Exaltações, Exultações e Embarcações,” is a love declaration with a captivating Portuguese guitar solo by João Gaspar. Guimarães’ poetry is lush and ardent and completely unapologetic: “Ver nossos amigos e não ter que disfarçar” (See our friends without having to pretend). In “Cura,” the love theme focuses on the sounds of the singer’s guitar, which becomes more melodious as sadness sets in. Lucas de Campos on cavaquinho provides that melancholy tone perfectly.

Simone Guimarães

“A Dónde Van,” the Silvio Rodriguez’ anthem, gets a moving rendition with a duet with longtime friend and collaborator Cristina Saraiva. Also paying tribute to the long bolero tradition, we have the slow moving “Canção do Amor em Paz.” To augment the beauty of this number, the special appearance of José Milton seals a most romantic track. Dim the lights, pull your loved one closer, and enjoy this bolero.  In closing the album, a duet with Maurício Maestro in “Coração de Peixe” features famous bassist Novelli. The sound is enthralling with a most exquisite Clube da Esquina throwback and vocal feature. The song sums up the nature universe of Simone Guimarães musical world and roots.

Simone Guimarães is proof that good Brazilian music still exists in the hands of skilled songwriters and performers who never forget their origins. Here in this CD we have impressive, and yet simple, arrangements delivered by musicians on top of their game. Also, Simone Guimarães is in rare form, both as a singer and as a songwriter. This is one of the year’s best albums.

 

ALBUM INFORMATION

Simone Guimarães
Simone Guimarães
Independent (2018)
Time: 65’00”

Tracks:

  1. Rio Doce (Simone Guimarães)
  2. Exaltações, Exultações e Embarcações (Bruno Alexander Ijhashoua – Simone Guimarães)
  3. Cura (Simone Guimarães – Clôdo Ferreira) – w/ Clôdo Ferreira
  4. A Dónde Van (Silvio Rodriguez) – w/ Cristina Saraiva
  5. Irapuã (Simone Guimarães)
  6. Messing Around With You (Luis Felipe Gama – Simone Guimarães) – w/ Ana Luíza
  7. Canção do Amor em Paz (Simone Guimarães) – w/ José Milton
  8. Canto de Mitra (Luis Felipe Gama – Simone Guimarães) – w/ Ana Luíza
  9. Sonhos Nus (Simone Guimarães – Ana de Hollanda) – w/ Ana de Hollanda
  10. Essa Luz do Dia (Di Mariana Margarida)
  11. Tanto Faz (Léo Góis)
  12. Minha Cara Francisca (Leandro Braga – Ana de Hollanda) – w/ Marcelo Sirotheau
  13. Madrugad’Accord (Lucas de Campos – Simone Guimarães)
  14. Coração de Peixe (Simone Guimarães – Carlos di Jaguarão) – w/ Maurício Maestro