The Magic of Brazilian Music

I second the Marisa Monte. Equally if not more so, I suggest the following self-titled CD which can be had on Amazon:

Joao Gilberto [IMPORT]
Original Release Date: February 6, 1991
Label: Polygram Int'l
Catalog: #837589

This one is just Joao, his guitar, and a couple of very close microphones. It's so intimate it sounds like he's in the room with you.

Thanks all for the other suggestions.

Great suggestions. I'm going shopping right now!

Herman,
Milton & Caetano do each have many albums. Some starting points:

NASCIMENTO:
Milton
Miltons (Listen to the song Sao Vicente & Weeeeeeep!)
Clube da Esquina

VELOSO:
Best of (For a flavor of Veloso)
Tropicalia (with Gilberto Gil)--Will hook you from the first note!

Maria Bethania is Caetano Veloso's sister. I'd like to go to one of their family reunions.

Gal Costa could sing jingles for bathroom cleanser and my heart would still skip a beat.

Where's the Samba guys? I really like many of the above performers but you need a little "heavy Samba" to add to the mix. Might I add for Samba and Pagode the following:

Jorge Aragon (both)
Zeco Pagodinho (Heavy Samba)
Raca Negra - (Pagode)
Beth Carvalho - (both)
Dijavan - I don't know how to classify this music it is so original.
Jovina Perola Negra (Samba)

Also you may want to check out Simone and Marisa Monte "Mais". Another up and coming female artist that I really love is Anna Carolina. There are so many distinctive Brazilian female vocalists, many more that we have here in the states, it seems to me.

So far as Gal Costa and Jorge Aragon go, I saw them both at 2 different shows this past July at Canecao in Rio. Both shows were excellent but the Gal Costa show was just extraordinary, what a performer and singer. If the opportunity EVER presents itself, don't miss out, as she is among the very best female vocalists alive today that I'm aware of. Jorge was great as well with many guest performers during the 2.5 hour show. I had to pay some premium prices for both as they were sold out and the scalpers were in full force but it was well worth it.

If you are into SACD, then try Wilma de Oliveira. You'll be pleasantly surprised. Here's a review.

There are so many distinctive Brazilian female vocalists, many more that we have here in the states, it seems to me.

I don't know about that, Tubegroover. My 10 yr old niece would have to take issue with that statement, as she'd take Hilary Duff over Gal Costa any day!

Do you live in Brazil, or you just go there to see these concerts, and to make other Brazilian music fanatics jealous?

Thanks for all of the recommendations. My wife is a big lover of samba, so I'll get some of those as well.