The Magic of Brazilian Music


I don't see it mentioned here often, but I have to say that I just melt for Brazilian music. The interwoven rhythms, the glorious melodies, the heart-wrenching nostalgia, and the mix of American jazz and African music on these astounding artists make for an audiophile's dream.

A few artists who just blow my mind:

Milton Nascimento (Beyond words)
Caetano Veloso (A musical genius)
Gilberto Gil
Jorge Ben
Gal Costa (A voice like honey)
Chico Buarque
Maria Bethania
Tom Ze (more experimental--very creative)
Virginia Rodrigues

Beleza Tropical (Brazil Classics) compiled by David Byrne is a good introduction. But if you're like me, that CD will be only the beginning of the addiction.

If any of you have specific recommendations, I may have missed them, so please list them here.
All the best,
Howard
128x128boa2
Leila Pinheiro not that traditional, but it's music pleases me very much. Try Catavento e girassol or Na ponta da lingua tracks # 2 and 7 I regularly use for testing purposes.

Sol negro from Virginia Rodrigues is also in my collection

Luis
I'll get some Pinheiro. Thank you for the recommendation. I have Sol Negro as well--what a voice!

Howard
Will do. Thanks, Psychicanimal.

Just heard a bit of Leila Pinheiro today--fantastic!

I'm always surprised that more audiophiles don't listen to Brazilian music. They always have the most incredible musicians, and stellar production.
I picked up some of the following while in Rio. Not sure if it is all available here.

Adriana Calcanhotto "Publico" a very nice live recording of her and her guitar.

Marisa Monte "Verde Anil Amerelo cor de Rosa E Carvao" more well known and readily available. Definitely pop but very well done.

Os Paralamas do Sucesso (The Mudflaps of Success) for some Brazilian pop/rock. I caught a music video on Brazilian MTV and was captivated by the high energy.

You have to include Antonio Carlos Jobim. Gal Costa's "Canta Tom Jobim" may be the perfect collection of what most Americans think of as traditional Brazilian music, i.e "Girl from Ipanema" . Also on DVD video.

Maria Bethania, in the vein of Gal Costa.

Toquinho and Vinicius De Moraes are also in the same camp. I am not familiar with Maria Creuza but see that she collaborates with Vinicius. Do you have specific titles you can recommend of hers?

I also see Pinheiro and especially Milton Nascimento and
Caetano Veloso have recorded quite a few albums. Any specific titles you can recommend to start with?