From Roberto Guimarães‘ Bandcamp site (translated): “Economist and self-taught musician, Roberto Guimarães was one of the pioneers of the Bossa Nova movement in Minas Gerais. He began composing in the late 1950s, creating lyrics and music on the guitar and keyboard, when he had the great opportunity of his life: Continue Reading
Brazil
Bruno Berle – Sem Fronteiras
The estimable Far Out Recordings scores another hit with Bruno Berle’s latest album, one which perfectly blends a more updated bossa nova sound with a more R&B-style groove underpinning the release. Elegant.
Seu Jorge – The Life Aquatic – Studio Sessions featuring Seu Jorge
There have been many covers of David Bowie’s songs from all over the world, but this is one of the most intriguing and one of my favorites. Seu Jorge is a Brazilian singer who does justice to Bowie’s work by modifying it to the Portuguese language, giving it a samba-like Continue Reading
E.N.D. – Null
Null is the debut release from E.N.D., who I will assume is from Brazil, particularly Porto Alegre, as the project is associated with my dear friends at M I S T, one of a myriad of boutique record labels specializing in experimental, dark ambient, drone and post-industrial music. This release, Continue Reading
Moyses Dos Santos – Maria
Far Out Recordings should be lauded forever for bringing so many great modern (and a few elder) Brazilian musicians to the attention of Western listeners. On that note, we welcome a debut from a new talent who will serve as a vanguard to Brazil’s diverse music scene in Moyses Dos Continue Reading
João Victor Barroso – Mais Pesado é o Céu
Mais Pesado é o Céu is a soundtrack composed by Brazilian guitarist João Victor Barroso. Although I haven’t seen the film, it seems to be dark and reflective, as the strings create an atmospheric and haunting quality.
George Christian – IMPROVISTOSURTOSCIRCUITOS
I enjoy the improvisational guitar playing of George Christian, but this release takes a different direction. It feels less like a complete improvisational album and more like demo tapes from a band inspired by the Velvet Underground. There are psychedelic elements throughout, giving it a primal quality.
Brazilian composer Hermeto Pascoal, known as ‘The Sorcerer’, dies aged 89
In what has turned out to be a difficult week, we have received the news that we have lost another legend. Hermeto Pascoal, who collaborated with many of the greatest Brazilian musicians and even had a stint with Miles Davis’ bands, has passed away at the age of 89, according Continue Reading
Gûldur – Despair
Gûldur is part of a wonderful collective based in Porto Alegre, Brazil, a place I would like to visit before I rest my bones in this Earth. Some of the bands and labels associated with this scene produce consistently good experimental, noise, dungeon synth and other related genres, which brings Continue Reading
George Christian – Lágrima-Pantera, A Míssil – Uma Música Visual por… (GCSA 62)
Our friend George Christian returns with two tracks of improvisation that, at least on first listen, sounds like it is flavored with the sounds of MBP (Música Popular Brasileira) and a couple of flashes of Hendrix. A pleasurable listen.