Where do I have to start with Brazilian music?

[innercircle]

The only contact that I ever had with this music is:

1.-Mr. Milton Nascimento-Txai
I don't know if essential or not, and what other could be good albums from him.
2.-Joao Gilberto & Stan Getz#2
Great sounds

Someone told me that Caetano Veloso is a great Brazilian musician but I still having no any single album from him.

Some suggests?

[DJ WILBUR]

The only contact that I ever had with this music is:

1.-Mr. Milton Nascimento-Txai
I don't know if essential or not, and what other could be good albums from him.
2.-Joao Gilberto & Stan Getz#2
Great sounds

Someone told me that Caetano Veloso is a great Brazilian musician but I still having no any single album from him.

Some suggests?

Caetano is a must, so is Elis Regina, more Joao Gilberto, Baden Powell (my fave)

[MikeP5877]

Os Mutantes - "Everything Is Possible"

[peterC]

The CD that got me into Brazilian music was the wonderful David Byrne compiled Beleza Tropical - Brazil Classics 1.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000DB51P/qid=1125672786/sr=2-2/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_2/002-4011603-0990401?v=glance&s=music

[-=Rudy=-]

Wow...there's a ton of Brazilian music out there. And I have no idea where to start you off! :D Is there any particular style you like?

Antonio Carlos Jobim is one artist to look into--a prolific composer, as well as a vocalist, guitarist and pianist. His albums can be uneven sometimes, but I happen to like most of them. Seek out his album "Stone Flower", as it has the original version of the song that Santana covered on "Caravanserai". (I just happened to have pulled that one out this morning to listen to.) I also like "Wave", which is all instrumental (except for one track) like "Stone Flower". He also recorded the equivalent of two albums with Sinatra, the first being the Sinatra/Jobim album, and 7 more tracks appear on "Sinatra & Co.". The last three are scattered on other albums, as well as being on the huge Reprise box set. There's an album he did with Elis Regina that is highly regarded as well.

If you haven't yet, get the first Getz/Gilberto album (which features Jobim), and the Stan Getz/Charlie Byrd "Jazz Samba". Also good!

Sergio Mendes has done a fusion of Brazilian, pop and jazz over the years. If you want more authentic Brazilian, his "Primal Roots" and "A Brasileiro" recordings are about as pure as it gets.

Milton Nascimento--there are others of his out there. Djavan is another modern day artist--I only have a couple, and I like his "Bird of Paradise" album quite a bit. (The title track was written by Michael Franks.)

I really like the Tamba 4 "We And The Sea" album--an adventurous mix of Brazilian and jazz, with the incredible piano talents of the late Luiz Eça.

There are a lot of others I am not familiar with, like Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Gal Costa, etc. There is just so much out there!

[Ed Bishop]

Antonio Carlos Jobim....great place to start...and I love the sultry Astrud Gilberto, GETZ/GILBERTO, FS & ACJ...well, my first preference and how I got into it all....

:ed:

[MikeP5877]

Antonio Carlos Jobim....great place to start...and I love the sultry Astrud Gilberto, GETZ/GILBERTO, FS & ACJ...well, my first preference and how I got into it all....

:ed:
That would be "FAS & ACJ"

Btw, for those who belong to BMG Music club, they have a three CD set of Antonio Carlos Jobim for $15.99. Get it!

[innercircle]

Wow...there's a ton of Brazilian music out there. And I have no idea where to start you off! :D Is there any particular style you like?


Thanks Rudy. I like the blend that made Joao Gilberto & Stan Getz, like Jazz-Bossa Nova fussion, but I probably try other rhytms like the Caetano Veloso music.
Of course I'm gonna check out your suggests.

Thanks.

[lschwart]

I'll second PeterC's recommendation of the "Beleza Tropical" collection on Luaka Bop as a good introduction to some of the big movers and shakers of modern Brazialian popular music. It's an amazingly seductive collection, and when it came out back in the '80's it was a revelation to me. It turned me on to some very important and beautiful music. Even though I've since bought individual records by many of the artists on this set, I still listen to it regularly. It's just a wonderful CD all on its own!

I'd recommend the other titles in Luaka Bop's "Brazil Classics" series as well. I think they were all curated by David Byrne. There's a companion volume to this one that collects more recent recordings, a samba collection, one of the northern dance music style called Forro, and the label has also released the great "Os Mutantes" collection that someone else mentioned, and the fantastic survey of Tom Ze's early recordings: "Brazil Classics 4: the Best of Tom Ze," which should no be missed by anyone who has both an interest in Brazilian sounds and the sort of artsy pop and rock music made in the U.S. and England in the late 70's and early '80's. There's a very similar sensibility at work there, and Byrne talks a bit about it in his liner notes.

As another interesting way into Brazilian music (one that has also turned me on to a lot of great things) I'd recommend the boxed set "Brasil:" A Century of Song." I believe its four disks can also be purchased separately. The book is very informative, and the disks cover 1) folk and traditional music 2) sambas 3) Bossa Nova and 4) modern popular songs. I don't think this collection works all that well as a thing to just sit down and listen to, but it offers a great deal of information and a wide sampling of performers and styles for the uninitiated. Worked for me!

L.

[MikeP5877]

Back in 1997 or so, I remember reading about a 5 CD box set called Tropicalia which featured Os Mutantes, Gilberto Gil, Gal Costa, Caetono Veloso and others from the Tropicalia movement of the late sixties. Anyone have this? I do not think it was released here in the US.

edit - I think the box was called "Tropicalia 30 Anos" to mark the 30 year anniversary of the original Tropicalia album that came out in 1968.

[lschwart]

Back in 1997 or so, I remember reading about a 5 CD box set called Tropicalia which featured Os Mutantes, Gilberto Gil, Gal Costa, Caetono Veloso and others from the Tropicalia movement of the late sixties. Anyone have this? I do not think it was released here in the US.

edit - I think the box was called "Tropicalia 30 Anos" to mark the 30 year anniversary of the original Tropicalia album that came out in 1968.

I tried to track down a copy of that at a decent price back at that time, but only found one and it was too expensive (I think the guy was asking over $100, and I just didn't have the cash). The set collected five of the key albums that started off the "Tropicalia" movement of the late 60's and early '70's, including the album "Tropicália ou Panis et Circensis," which was the spark (most of the of the usual suspects are on the album, which I did find separately at that time--I think its the same version that is in the box--a terrific piece of Brazilian psyche-pop, and well worth a listen).

Here's the URL of a terrific website with lots on information about this particular (and particularly compelling) period in the history of Brazilian popular music (if you enter through the "clicando aqui," that is "click here" link, you'll be able to get to the English Language version of the site):

http://www2.uol.com.br/tropicalia/

[daveman]

"The Man From Ipanema," a 3-cd Jobim boxed set, is a wonderful place to start.

[Rachael Bee]

Rudy recommended the Jobim that I would of. I'd try some Emir Deodato albums too. I'd try some Blue Bossa by Ana Caram. Manfredo Fest's Just Jobim and Jungle Cat are 2 of his best. Babel Giberto's Tanto Tempo is really nice album from recent times.

I'd look around for some samplers like Brazilliance....

[MikeP5877]

I tried to track down a copy of that at a decent price back at that time, but only found one and it was too expensive (I think the guy was asking over $100, and I just didn't have the cash). The set collected five of the key albums that started off the "Tropicalia" movement of the late 60's and early '70's, including the album "Tropicália ou Panis et Circensis," which was the spark (most of the of the usual suspects are on the album, which I did find separately at that time--I think its the same version that is in the box--a terrific piece of Brazilian psyche-pop, and well worth a listen).

Here's the URL of a terrific website with lots on information about this particular (and particularly compelling) period in the history of Brazilian popular music (if you enter through the "clicando aqui," that is "click here" link, you'll be able to get to the English Language version of the site):

http://www2.uol.com.br/tropicalia/

Thanks for the link!

[Emilio]

There are a few recommendations in the "Spanish" thread (even though Brazilians speak Portuguese): Mutantes, Rita Lee and Caetano Veloso. A few more:

Boca Livre: excellent vocal group.

14 Bis: great pop band which some consider an electric version of Boca Livre. They eventually recorded a live album together.

Kid Abelha: catchy songs and good ballads featuring the lead vocals of the gorgeous Paula Toller. Try their semi-unplugged live album "Meio Desligado", which is my favorite. The 2-CD compilation from the "e-collection" series is a good combination of hits and rarities, including a previously unreleased cover version of Squeeze's "Tempted".

Uakti: This is for those who like exotic, instrumental music. These guys create their own instruments with PVC tubes and stuff. They've played with Paul Simon.

Secos e Molhados: their two only studio albums with the original line-up (73/74) were reissued as a twofer. This group wore make-up before Kiss did and the lead singer Ney Matogrosso, with his unique voice (he sounds like a woman), went on to have a successful solo career.

Zelia Duncan: she is the opposite of Ney Matogrosso, a woman who sounds a bit like a guy. But she sings great pop tunes.

Jorge Ben: he is now known as Jorge Benjor, but try to find his 1976 album "Africa Brasil". Or his very first, "Samba Esquema Novo", which is softer and more acoustic-oriented.

RPM: They were hot in the mid-80's, but did not manage to remain on top after their peak. A recent comeback aroused little interest. Still, their keyboard-laden, danceable brand of pop music is worth checking out.

Zizi Possi - Considering her first five albums are out of print, try to find any compilation that has "Caminhos de Sol".

Nei Lisboa - Alright, a local touch. This is a singer from my home town. You probably won't find any of his albums where you are, but if any of them is available for mail order, give it a try.

Kleiton & Kledir - Another local touch, a duo from my home state. Try to find any compilation that has "Deu Pra Ti" and "Paixao" (but not the album "Dois", which features rerecordings)

[innercircle]

There are a few recommendations in the "Spanish" thread (even though Brazilians speak Portuguese): Mutantes, Rita Lee and Caetano Veloso. A few more:



Moito Brigado Emilio!
I've just come back from the Music store and they didn't have anything of Os Mutantes, I'll gonna check out your other recommendations. :edthumbs:

[innercircle]

Uakti: This is for those who like exotic, instrumental music. These guys create their own instruments with PVC tubes and stuff. They've played with Paul Simon.


Yes I have the Mapa album, and sounds great!

[lschwart]

Thanks for the link!


You're welcome, Mike. Happy reading and listening!

L.

[Jeff H.]

Antonio Carlos Jobim is one artist to look into--a prolific composer, as well as a vocalist, guitarist and pianist. His albums can be uneven sometimes, but I happen to like most of them. Seek out his album "Stone Flower", as it has the original version of the song that Santana covered on "Caravanserai". (I just happened to have pulled that one out this morning to listen to.) I also like "Wave", which is all instrumental (except for one track) like "Stone Flower". He also recorded the equivalent of two albums with Sinatra, the first being the Sinatra/Jobim album, and 7 more tracks appear on "Sinatra & Co.". The last three are scattered on other albums, as well as being on the huge Reprise box set. There's an album he did with Elis Regina that is highly regarded as well.




Jobim is my all time favorite of all the great musicians to come out of Brazil. "Wave" and "The Composer Of Desafinado Plays" are essential!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[william shears]

The three albums Joao Gilberto made for the Odeon label between '58/'61 are the rosetta stone for all subsequent brazillian popular music. They are absolutely crucial in any collection that has bossa nova as an interest. Gilberto, Jobim and Vinicius De Moraes were vital in the roots of this music. 'Chega De Saudade' is a defining musical statement just as important as 'Thats Alright Mama' or 'Love Me Do'. Originally available on one cd from 'world pacific' they have been criminally unavailble for more than a decade! You may find them on a spanish 'time life' version from a couple of years ago or as a brazilian box set on vinyl called 'o mito'. Anyone with any interest in brazilian music needs to have this material.
William

[ubik333]

An absolutely beautiful recent interpretation of Jobim is Casa by Morelenbaum/Sakamoto.
And a lovely new voice in jazz is Luciana Souza, whose tribute to the great poet Pablo Neruda was one of my favorite recordings of last year.

Jerry

[Michael]

SERGIO MENDES...you'll be hooked.

[Emilio]

The three albums Joao Gilberto made for the Odeon label between '58/'61 are the rosetta stone for all subsequent brazillian popular music. They are absolutely crucial in any collection that has bossa nova as an interest. Gilberto, Jobim and Vinicius De Moraes were vital in the roots of this music. 'Chega De Saudade' is a defining musical statement just as important as 'Thats Alright Mama' or 'Love Me Do'. Originally available on one cd from 'world pacific' they have been criminally unavailble for more than a decade! You may find them on a spanish 'time life' version from a couple of years ago or as a brazilian box set on vinyl called 'o mito'. Anyone with any interest in brazilian music needs to have this material.
WilliamThese three albums were released on a single CD titled "O Mito" in Brazil and "The Legendary" in other countries. The CD was criticized for joining two tracks into one so all of them would fit on a CD and also for the remastering. But I like it as it is. Unfortunately, it's out of print, but worth searching out on GEMM and other sites.

[Jazzis]

As mentioned earlier there is a vast number of great Brazilian music albums, so the possibilities are probably much wider than any "reasonable" budget can allow.

Here are a few names not mentioned above:

Anna Caram - great female singer who is considered a contemporary Bosa-Nova diva. Her albums are released in the US on Chesky both SACD and DVD-A BTW

Airto Moreira - superb jazz percussionist who played with Miles and made several excellent solo albums on CTI

Flora Purim (Airto`s wife) - a great singer with a long string of excellent albums on Milestone and other labels

Hermeto Pascoal - the father of Brazilian jazz, harder to find but very much worth looking for

Jorge Pescara - a young and very talented bass player often comapred to Jaco Pastorious

If you need more suggestions just let me know ;)

[william shears]

As mentioned earlier there is a vast number of great Brazilian music albums, so the possibilities are probably much wider than any "reasonable" budget can allow.

Here are a few names not mentioned above:

Anna Caram - great female singer who is considered a contemporary Bosa-Nova diva. Her albums are released in the US on Chesky both SACD and DVD-A BTW

Airto Moreira - superb jazz percussionist who played with Miles and made several excellent solo albums on CTI

Flora Purim (Airto`s wife) - a great singer with a long string of excellent albums on Milestone and other labels

Hermeto Pascoal - the father of Brazilian jazz, harder to find but very much worth looking for

Jorge Pescara - a young and very talented bass player often comapred to Jaco Pastorious

If you need more suggestions just let me know ;)

All great artists but for a 'beginner' I'd say that Airto/Flora/Hermeto have often produced quite complex and challenging music which is sometimes closer to american jazz-fusion than it is to bossa, samba or M.P.B. I have a collection of 4,500 brazilian albums from the 40s to present day. I would recommend that anyone new to 'brazilian' music should start late 50s early sixties and go from there. It was a crucial point in the development of brazilian music when the elaborate percussive driven sambas of the carnaval were filtered through the stylistic modes of west coast jazz, at that point hugely influential in Rio. One of the most popular recordings amongst the musicians of that great city in the late fifties was 'Julie is Her Name' by Julie London. The minimal backing from Barney Kessel caused a sensation amongst the young guitar players in copacabana and ipanema. The popular radio styles of samba known as 'samba cancao' were also changing, becoming less florid. All of these developments were crystallised by Joao Gilberto as discussed earlier. This is the birth of bossa nova. After him I would seek out Luiz Bonfa. Probably his most succesful recording is 'Luiz Bonfa plays and sings Bossa Nova' which was released on cd by verve a few years ago. Verve/MGM were prominent in the popularisation of bossa in North America so their catalogues have much interesting music. But Bonfa is a giant, I've probably got about thirty of his albums, he made some fairly lame recordings for Dot but anything on Verve/Polygram will be good, his album with Stan Getz is superb. As suggested Sergio Mendes is certainly worth hearing. Very pop, to some 'easy listening; but his later album 'Primal Roots' is a major landmark that merges afro drumming and jazz to great effect. Edu Lobo is also superb, Elis Regina made an enormous amount of albums some incredible some fairly ordinairy. If you like jazz than I urgently recommend 'COISAS' by Moacir Santos, recently rereleased by polygram brazil, availble from dusty groove. Lord, there is SO MUCH amazing brazilian music out there. Once you start digging it'll take over your life..I can vouch for that
:p
William