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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
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boa2's avatar
boa2 OP
1,551 posts
 
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.
herman
2,252 posts
 
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?
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
How about some "Detrito Federal"?
peter_s
1,335 posts
 
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.
boa2's avatar
boa2 OP
1,551 posts
 
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.
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