The Rough Guide To The Music of Brazil

This Rough Guide compilation explores some of the huge variety of regional styles that a traveller might come across journeying through Brazil.  Many of the groups featured are very well-known in Brazil and overseas (such as Ivan Lins and Marlui Miranda), however, in general the selection avoids the obvious names in favour of a regional approach.

The release kicks into life with the popular Ivan Lins interpreting the classic samba track Provei by Noel Rosa.  The powerful vocals of Dominguinhos follows with a song from the King of Baiao Luiz Gonzaga.

The third track by Ze Paulo heralds the music of the greatest carnival parties in the world – the music of the ‘blocos’ in Salvador, Bahia.  The up-tempo theme is continued later with another group from Bahia – Muzenza and with the more subdued percussion and horns from Rio de Janeiro of Adil Tiscatti.  The mood then mellows for the bluesy composition of the influential Chico Cesar, sung by the messosoprano Rita Ribeiro.

Marlui Mirandaspent 17 years researching the music of Brazil’s indigenous peoples, and here with Uakti, the inspirations and fruits of her studies are revealed.  This is followed by the viola of Paulo Freire, the electric berimbau of Dinho Nascimento, and the accordion-playing of Gilberto Monteiro. 

Vocalists then come to the fore with the beautiful masculine timbre of Renato Braz, the smoky croons of Leny Andrade and the country traditions of Pena Branca and Xavantinho.  The release is concluded with classic sambas from Guingaand Rosea Passos, before a track from the historic album of instrumental music written by legendary saxophonist Pixinguinha, and performed by maestros Jeol Nascimento, Radames Gnattali and Camerata Carioca.