Brazil: Samba, Bossa And Beyond!
Putumayo, 2020
8/10
Listen to Brazil: Samba, Bossa And Beyond!
When it comes to cultured, poetic and inspiring compilation albums, you can never go wrong with the Putumayo label. This time, they bring us tunes that originate from Brazil, the rhythms of African heritage and even the romantic sides to Rio and Sao Paulo across these 10 adventures.
Vania Abreu’s silky smooth vocals start the listen with the upbeat and playful reworking of Djavan’s “Embola Bola”, where there’s no shortage of Afro-Brazilian rhythm, and “Fala Brasil”, by Rogé, follows with bossa nova fun that’s a love letter to Brasil.
Things only get better from here, including the accordion friendly “Beijo” from Bia, as well as the soul, funk and jazz friendly “Sapata de Ouro” by Sandalia de Prata. Sambasonics come through with the best track on the stylish and groove filled ‘70s influence of “Babulina”.
Late in the listen, Jair Oliveira offers the percussively strong and playfully crafted Samba of “O Samba Me Cantou- O Flerte da Alma com O Samba” and Aricia Mess exits the listen with the spiritual “Batuque é Reza Forte”, where Dona Onete makes an appearance and strong impression on the expressive finish.
An extremely varied and fascinating effort, the Brazilian sounds here are complemented by the sounds of the Amazon rainforest, Portuguese poetry, African songwriting and a whole lot of melody that you won’t forget anytime soon.
Travels well with: Putumayo- Joy to The World; Putumayo- Blues Christmas