Brazuca Sounds

In this episode, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Cartola's debut album released in 1974. Nearly 50 years after beginning his career, Cartola released his first album featuring 12 songs of the more than 100 he wrote during his lifetime. Recorded in February and March 1974, the album was released by the independent label Discos Marcus Pereira. We talk about Cartola's upbringing as a musician in the 1920s, his struggles with poverty, health, and death in his family, the rediscovery of his work by bossa and samba enthusiasts in the 1960s, and finally the backstory of the album's making. We analyzed much of the Cartola's lyrics, and the music put together by a great ensemble of Dino 7 Cordas (seven-string-guitar), Meira (guitar) and Canhoto (cavaquinho).Access our playlist Brazuca Sounds Soundtracks.  Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we talk about the record label Continental and their (allegedly) melted albums. After the label ran out of Secos e Molhados LPs to sell in 1973, and the lack of raw material during the global oil crisis (and the Brazilian dictatorship's terrible administration), they decided to melt their back catalog to press them into new Secos e Molhados. Whether is factually hard to prove which albums were melted, is well documented that Arthur Verocai's debut and many of the Continental albums were taken out of circulation. So it leads us to speculate which ones, and those are five albums that we picked to talk about: Heraton Salvanini and his debut "SP/73"; Walter Franco's "Ou Não"; O Pessoal do Ceará only record registered as a group; Terço self-titled second album; and Paulo Bagunça e a Tropa Maldita. Access our playlist Brazuca Sounds Soundtracks.  Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode #58, we continue our celebration of albums released 50 years ago in 1973. This year we made specials about the albums released by João Donato, Marcos Valle, Tom Jobim, Gal Costa, Secos e Molhados, and more. Now is the time to discuss some of the most overlooked albums from 1973, from the brilliant debuts of Luiz Melodia and Gonzaguinha (pictured) to the crazy Northeast psychedelia of Satwa, the rural braziliana of Elomar, samba-rock makers Wando, and Marku, the resurgence of Tom Zé, the almost-forgotten work of Os Tincoãs, and the soul-gospel-psychedelic-funk of Cassiano's second album. All songs are available following our playlist on Spotify "⁠Soundtrack: Brazuca Sounds"⁠. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode #57 we discussed three Brazilian rock artists that broke in 1973: Secos e Molhados, Raul Seixas, and Novos Baianos. The debut album of Secos e Molhados was a phenomenon in sales like never seen before; their blend of rock, pop, baroque, and poetry made them the first Beatlemania-esque in Brazil. Raul Seixas and his debut also cemented him as a rock icon that even stands today; Novos Baianos' third record was not as popular as "Acabou Chorare", but strange as it sounds, elevated the group's trademark blend of genres to higher grounds: it's even more samba, and it's even more rock n' roll. Follow our playlist on Spotify: "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soundtrack: Brazuca Sounds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠". Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode #52 we talk about the album "Milagre dos Peixes" by Milton Nascimento, released in August 1973. Following the success of "Clube da Esquina" in 1972 Milton reunited with his band Som Imaginário to produce a follow-up as good (or better) than his previous masterpiece. "Milagre dos Peixes" had its lyrics heavily censored by the military regime, so it became an experimental endeavor of sonic aspirations and instrumental tracks. We also discussed the album "Matança de Porco", released by Som Imaginário, led by Wagner Tiso. Another fantastic record released in 1973, "Beto Guedes, Danilo Caymmi, Toninho Horta, Novelli" is an obscure but fundamental album from members of the Clube da Esquina's collective. To finish off this episode, we discussed the elemental contributions of Naná Vasconcelos to "Milagre dos Peixes", and his two epic percussive-centric albums released in 1973. All songs are available on our playlist: "Soundtrack: Brazuca Sounds". Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode #51 we discussed the impact of soap opera soundtracks on the Brazilian music industry. The scores were very often written/produced by big names such as Roberto Carlos/Erasmo Carlos, Marcos Valle, Baden Powell, and Vinícius de Moraes. We'll be playing songs performed by Osmar Milito, Chico Batera, Banda Black Rio, Lincoln Olivetti, and obscure jams from Kris & Cristina, Sonia Burnier, Ronaldo Resedá, and two soundtrack grandmasters: Waltel Branco and Nonato Buzar. The telenovelas are a big part of Brazilian culture and an invaluable source of material for music enthusiasts. Follow our playlist on Spotify "Soundtrack: Brazuca Sounds".  Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode #50 we celebrate the album "Previsão do Tempo" by Marcos Valle, released in September 1973 by Odeon. After experimenting with different bands, and a handful of soundtracks under his name, Marcos Valle came up with his album masterpiece according to many critics. Backed up by the trio Azymuth, "Previsão do Tempo" is a blend of Brazilian MPB, with funk, soul, pop, and jazz, with a high volume of political lyrics, written mostly by Marcos and his brother Paulo Sergio Valle. The album was not a mainstream hit upon its release although over time gained a cult status amongst DJs and record collectors. Follow our playlist on Spotify: "Soundtrack: Brazuca Sounds". Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode #49, we introduce a new wave of Brazilian music by presenting albums released in 2023 by Iara Rennó (pictured), Rodrigo Campos, and Bike. They all come out of São Paulo, summarizing a great variety of different genres, styles, and sounds historically being produced by the big city. Then we also quickly review the latest work by artists such as Glue Trip (Paraíba), Bala Desejo (Rio de Janeiro), Rafael Martini (Minas Gerais), Lucas Santanna (Bahia), and Criolo (São Paulo). Follow our playlist on Spotify "Soundtrack: Brazuca Sounds".  Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode #47 we celebrate the album "Quem é Quem" by João Donato, released 50 years ago in September 1973. After a terrible divorce, Donato left the United States after 12 years and put together a great group of musicians, songwriters, and producers. A master on the piano (and accordion), "Quem é Quem" also shows João Donato singing for the first time, and playing the Fender Rhodes, encouraged by producer Marcos Valle. A commercial failure upon its release by the record label Odeon, the album gained a cult status over the years. Follow our playlist on Spotify: "Soundtrack: Brazuca Sounds".--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brazucasounds/message Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode #46, we talk about Samba-Enredo, a sub-genre of modern samba made specifically for Carnaval. "Samba-enredo" translates literally as samba-theme, played by a samba school to narrate a historical event in a lyrical form. Over the years, however, many of those songs became popular beyond the Carnaval parade in February, even being recorded by famous artists. We introduce you to some of these songs such as "Liberdade, Liberdade", "Festa Para um Rei Negro", "É Hoje", and artists such as Martinho da Vila, Originais do Samba, Simone, Marisa Monte. Among the most popular samba schools are Mangueira, Portela, Salgueiro, Império Serrano, and each group has 70 minutes to present by crossing a 530 metres avenue called the Sambadrome. The drumming section (bateria) of every samba school is composed of around 250-300 musicians playing a variety of percussive instruments.  Follow our playlist on Spotify to listen to all songs played in full:  "Soundtrack: Brazuca Sounds".--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brazucasounds/message Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode #45, we tell the history of samba in Brazil over 100 years. From its early days and songwriters like Noel Rosa, Ismael Silva (pictured), and "the singer of the masses", Orlando Silva, to more contemporary samba-makers such as João Nogueira, Candeia, and Zeca Pagodinho. We also play indispensable songs from Cartola, Carlos Cachaça, Adoniran Barnosa, and Bezerra da Silva by discussing the different sub-genres of samba such as Partido Alto, Pagode, Samba-Canção, Samba de Roda, and much more. Also mentioned: Aracy de Almeida, Elizeth Cardoso, Lupicínio Rodrigues, Jamelão, Nelson Sargento, Paulinho da Viola, Beth Carvalho and Fundo de Quintal. Follow our playlist on Spotify to listen to all songs played in full:  "Soundtrack: Brazuca Sounds".--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brazucasounds/message Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode #44, we celebrate the music of Nara Leão by discussing five of her best albums. Amongst one the pioneers of the bossa-nova movement in Rio de Janeiro, Nara Leão transcended the music genre. Considered by many the "Muse of Bossa Nova", Nara decided to distance herself from any label imposed by the media, blending the voice of favelas into her music by recording songs composed by legendary samba songwriters such as Cartola and Zé Keti. Unlike other great singers of her generation, Nara Leão also played the guitar, and was an active voice against the dictatorship in Brazil, including a cameo in the collective manifesto "Tropicalia". Fundamental albums to start: "Nara" (64), "Opinião de Nara" (64), and "Dez Anos Depois" (71). All songs played on this podcast are available following our playlist on Spotify "Soundtrack: Brazuca Sounds".--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brazucasounds/message Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode #43, we celebrate the life of Pelé through the music that celebrated his football brilliance. During his life playing for Brazil and Santos, Pelé inspired songs from a variety of artists, such as Wilson Simonal, Jackson do Pandeiro, Caetano and, Gilberto Gil. Pelé, who also played the cavaquinho and guitar, was an avid songwriter and released albums partnered up with the likes of Elis Regina and Sergio Mendes.  All songs played on this podcast are available following our playlist on Spotify "Soundtrack: Brazuca Sounds".--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brazucasounds/message Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode #56 we discuss one of the most important Brazilian record labels: Elenco. Founded in 1963 by Aloysio de Oliveira with the ambition of becoming the best bossa-nova label in the country, Elenco (translated into "cast") put together a constellation of big names and released a crazy amount of bossa-nova classics. We'll talk about albums by superstars Vinicius de Moraes, Roberto Menescal, Sylvia Telles, Edu Lobo, Nara Leão, the brilliance of Sergio Ricardo, and some forgotten names such as Lucio Alves, Agostinho dos Santos and Aracy de Almeida. Follow our playlist on Spotify: "⁠⁠⁠Soundtrack: Brazuca Sounds⁠⁠⁠". Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode #55 we celebrate the album "Índia", released by Gal Costa in July 1973. The album’s controversial cover was banned by the Brazilian military regime upon its release, but that was just one of the reasons it became so iconic. Gal Costa distanced herself from the Tropicália movement in "Índia" (like all her peers before her), showcasing a more stripped-down sound, influenced by folk (and folklore), blues, baião, Clube da Esquina, and Brazilian standards from samba (Lupicínio) and bossa-nova (João Gilberto/Tom Jobim). Gal Costa even had the time to perform probably the funkiest song ever produced in Brazil with "Pontos de Luz". The album was also a big rupture to Gal Costa's fans at the time, taking her to new levels of popularity and celebrity stardom. Follow our playlist on Spotify: "⁠⁠Soundtrack: Brazuca Sounds⁠⁠". Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode #54, we tell the history of the most popular music genre in Brazil connected to the Northeast: forró. We also cover all its subtle variances, in genres like baião, xote, xaxado, and maracatu. We'll talk about key artists in forró such as Luiz Gonzaga, Jackson do Pandeiro, Sivuca, and Dominguinhos, the female queens Marinês and Carmélia Alves, and the megahits from names like Ary Lobo, João do Vale, Genival Lacerda, and Trio Nordestino. Then we follow with all the MPB-mainstream singers influenced by forró, such as Clara Nunes, Gilberto Gil, and Elba Ramalho. Unlike samba and its urban appeal that ultimately became a global phenomenon, forró remained attached mainly to the Brazilian roots, largely disseminated during our festivities in June (Festas Juninas) celebrating St. John Baptiste. Follow our playlist on Spotify to listen to all these songs in full: "Soundtrack: Brazuca Sounds". Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode #53 we celebrate the album "Matita Perê" by Tom Jobim, released in May 1973 by Philips. Considered one of the inventors of bossa-nova, Jobim had astronomical success in Brazil and abroad (especially the USA), so for this album, he decided to explore new territories. Produced and arranged by German composer Claus Ogerman, he came up with a complex mix of nature-inspired sounds, Brazilian roots, and erudite music, all encapsulated by the poetry of Guimarães Rosa, although the opening is quite literally a bossa-nova classic: "Águas de Março". The album was released as "Jobim" for the international market, by MCA Records, and also with a different cover. Follow our playlist on Spotify: "Soundtrack: Brazuca Sounds". Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode #42, we continue our celebration of albums released 50 years ago in 1972 in addition to classics such as Transa, Clube da Esquina, Acabou Chorare, Tom Zé's self-titled, and Paulinho da Viola's Dança da Solidão. We will wrap up 2022 by listing a few more brilliant albums, from the iconic Arthur Verocai debut (cover) to releases of Lô Borges, Quarteto em Cy, Jards Macalé, Elis Regina, Elza Soares, MPB4, and obscure gems such as duos Nelson Angelo & Joyce and Alceu Valença e Geraldo Azevedo. All songs are available following our playlist on Spotify "Soundtrack: Brazuca Sounds".--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brazucasounds/message Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode #33 we're celebrating the 80th birthday of Paulinho da Viola by discussing his phenomenal album "Dança da Solidão" (1972). Paulinho elevated samba into the mainstream in the 1970s, rejuvenating the most Brazilian-centric music genre. A brilliant guitarist, with an angelic voice, and poetic lyrics, he is one of the most iconic Brazilian musicians of all time. Paulinho da Viola was born on November 12th, 1942. This episode follows our specials dedicated to the 1942 Club, which also include Milton Nascimento, Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso and Tim Maia. Follow our playlist on Spotify "Soundtrack Brazuca Sounds" to listen to all the songs played in full.--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brazucasounds/message Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode #40 we celebrate the life of Gal Costa by discussing her five best records: Gal Costa (1969), Gal (1969), Índia (1973), Cantar (1974) and Gal Tropical (1979). As an early bossa-nova singer moving from Bahia to Rio de Janeiro, Gal reached her golden era as part of the Tropicalia, a psychedelic-rock counter-culture movement in the late 1960s. In the 1970s Gal Costa explored different genres and styles expanding her boundaries in the experimental "Índia" and the back-to-bossa-nova album, "Cantar", a commercial failure. I will finish this episode off by also revisiting two former episodes, Episode #24 where I explored Gal Costa's live album "FA-TAL (1971)", and Episode #2 where we discussed her connections to the orishas and Bahia. Gal Costa passed away on November 9 at the age of 77. Follow our playlist on Spotify "Soundtrack Brazuca Sounds" so you can listen to all the songs played in full.--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brazucasounds/message Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.