Brazuca Sounds

In episode #27, we celebrate Brazilian female singers such as Flora Purim, Joyce, Célia, Wanderlea, and Claudia. We also bring some more obscure names such as Dila, Silvinha, and Elizabeth. Brazil always had a large tradition of female superstars, so for this episode, I've decided to put a spotlight on some great singers that are not as recognized as they should be.

In episode #24, we talk about the life and music of João Donato, Eumir Deodato, Egberto Gismonti, and Hermeto Paschoal. Each one of them achieved greatness beyond the Brazilian frontier and, in fact, they're all likely more successful worldwide rather than in their own country. These four artists blend Brazilian rhythm with psychedelia, funk, jazz, and experimentalism. As they all have a long and vast record catalog under their names, we have selected a few of their albums that should not be missed.

In episode #23, we continue our conversation celebrating albums released 50 years ago in 1971. From the classics of Tim Maia, Gal Costa, and Marcos Valle, Ivan Lins, to obscure gems such as Antonio Adolfo e a Brazuca and the magnificent Claudia.

In episode #22 we discussed Chico Buarque's eighth album, "Construção", released 50 years ago by Philips in December 1971. Considered by many the best Brazilian album of all time, it was Chico's first studio record after returning to Brazil following a period living in Europe due to the Brazilian dictatorship. Perhaps not by consequence, it is Chico Buarque's more political record, surrounded by themes such as the social-economic issues in the country and lack of freedom, all that encapsulated by Chico Buarque's superb lyrics.

In episode #21 we discussed the album "Negro é Lindo", released by Philips in November 1971. It was Jorge Ben's third and last studio album recorded with Trio Mocotó as his backup band. An ending to a trilogy, the arrangements are more centered on the acoustic guitar, possibly the fruit of his partnership with Paulinho Tapajós, who directed Ben’s recordings between 71 and 75, including his future masterpiece "A Tábua de Esmeralda". It is also Jorge Ben's more political record to date, like its own title Negro é Lingo suggests, a translation of the slogan Black is Beautiful.

In episode #15, we talk about three Brazilian vocal groups: Trio Ternura, Trio Esperança, and Golden Boys. All centered around family members, more or less like a Brazilian proto-version of the Jackson 5, these three groups showcased a variety of backgrounds and genres.

In episode #13 we celebrate Erasmo Carlos' 80th birthday telling the story behind his album "Carlos, Erasmo", released in 1971. A transitional album in his career, Erasmo was moving from being a rock n' roll Jovem Guarda star to becoming a great lyricist, influenced by Folk, MPB, and Soul. "The other Carlos" when compared to his writing superstar partner Roberto Carlos, Erasmo was finally and for all taking his music to a different territory and making a name for himself

In episode #12, we continue our conversation about the Black Rio movement from Brazuca Sounds #11, with some of the Best Funk Albums That You Never Heard of. Black, soul, and funk-influenced records, from obscure classics such as Waltel Branco's "Meu Balanço" (photo) to DJ favorites, like Evinha's debut "Cartão Postal". We also discussed albums released by Tony Bizarro, Teo Azevedo, Di Melo, Helio Matheus, Carlos Dafé, Marcia Maria, and the Brazilian teenage phenomenon Lady Zu. Follow our playlist on Spotify "Soundtrack: Brazuca Sounds". 

In episode #9 we talk about the record label Underground, an obscure subsidiary for Copacabana Discos in the 1970s. While Copacabana was making tons of money with albums from their corny radio-singers cast, Underground has been founded as a subsidiary to release what the record executives considered "experimental" music. Funk and soul artists such as Marku (photo), Miguel de Deus, sa,ba-rock pioneers such as Luis Vagner and Bebeto, and Brazilian prog-rock icons O Terço.

Salve! This is a bonus episode available for all!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Boas Festas" written by Assis ValenteThis is the quintessential Brazilian Christmas song. Samba songwriter Assis Valente wrote it in 1932 while living alone, far from his family, in a boarding house in the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro. Sad and nostalgic, the song challenges Santa Claus (Papai Noel) to deliver the ultimate gift: happiness. Caetano Veloso, who later recorded “Boas Festas,” has argued that it is the Christmas song that best encapsulates the Brazilian spirit, as its lyrics openly acknowledge the excluded. Its tone is deeply connected to Valente’s own troubled life, marked by poverty, illness, and repeated personal crises.

In episode #88, we celebrate 50 years of the album "Refazena" released by Gilberto Gil in 1975. The album was intended as a return to Gilberto Gil's Northeastern roots, moving him away from Tropicalia and the more rock 'n' roll period in his life. "Refazenda" relies on several collaborations with accordion great, Dominguinhos, who co-wrote the songs "Tenho Sede" and "Lamento Sertanejo". The switch was well received by the audience, turning Refazenda into Gilberto Gil's biggest commercial success, which in turn led to its famous trilogy (along with Refavela and Realce). Check Translationsmith for the translation of many songs from the album. Follow our playlist ⁠Brazuca Sounds Soundtrack with over 50 hours of music on Spotify.

Salve! This is a preview of our bonus episode exclusive for paid ⁠subscribers⁠!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Carinhoso" written by Pixinguinha and João de BarrosConsidered one of the most important Brazilian songs of all time, "Carinhoso" was written by flutist/saxophonist Pixinguinha in 1917 as an instrumental piece. However, it was not until the 1930s, with added lyrics by João de Barros and a vocal performance by Orlando Silva, that it achieved its acclaim. A perfect combination between musical structure and poetic narrative, "Carinhoso" is the most recorded Brazilian song according to ECAD, with iconic performances from Elizeth Cardoso, Baden Powell, Tom Jobim, Hermeto Pascoal, and more. We told the story behind the lyrics, different arrangements, the ahead-of-time structure, and Pixinguinha, who eventually became one of the most revered music composers from Brazil.

Salve! This is a preview of our bonus episode for paid ⁠subscribers⁠!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Deixa Eu Dizer" by Claudia (Ivan Lins/Ronaldo Bastos)This month, we're celebrating the work of Ivan Lins, who turned 80 years old in June. Another song, written by Ronaldo Bastos and featuring music by Ivan Lins, that criticizes the military regime through metaphors. The song passed by as a love song at the time due to Claudia's charming voice. A fantastic singer, she spent the 1970s in the shadow of many female singers (Elis Regina, Gal Costa, Maria Bethania). Still, her performance of "Deixa Eu Dizer" is an absolute banger, blending samba beats and a funky groove. This version regained enormous success when samba/rapper Marcelo D2 used it as a sample in the 2000s. Ivan Lins recorded the song on his album Modo Livre. Check the translation of "Deixa Eu Dizer" with our friends at Translationsmith.

In episode #87, we celebrate 45 years of the album "Feminina" released by Joyce Moreno in 1980. Arguably, her most important work, with feminist ideas ahead of her time, especially considering the Brazilian socio-political context. A jack of all trades, Joyce wrote all the lyrics and plays the guitar beautifully, enhanced by her charming voice. Among the album's highlights are "Feminina", an intergenerational conversation between mother and daughter; "Clareana", written as a lullaby song for her young daughters; and "Aldeia de Ogum", rediscovered by DJs in the 1990s. "Essa Mulher" also became a trademark song performed by Elis Regina, a song that encapsulates the "feminine" album theme of motherhood and sexual desire.Check Translationsmith for a full translation of "Clareana", and don't forget to follow our Brazuca Sounds playlist on Spotify with over 50 hours of music

Salve! This is a trailer of our bonus episode for ⁠subscribers⁠!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Abre Alas" by Ivan LinsThis month, we're celebrating the work of Ivan Lins, who turned 80 years old in June. With lyrics written by Vitor Martins, "Abre Alas", from the album Modo Livre, is one of the most important songs during the military regime in Brazil. A respected pianist, who wrote big hits before, such as "Madalena", performed by Elis Regina, this song was a breakthrough for Ivan Lins also as a performer with the mainstream audience when it topped the charts in 1974. "Abre Alas" describes a Carnaval parade as a metaphor to get his message across without censorship. The orchestral arrangements were written by Arthur Verocai