Monica Salmaso is considered one of the quintessential voices of Brazil.  Her new CD, “Iaiá” (on World Village) contains her tributes to her musical idols.  The title refers to a slave name for “senhora” or “lady.”  One of the glories of Brazilian is that it mixes the traditions of the slaves, native Indians and Portuguese conquerors into wonderfully rhythmic music.

            On “Moro Na Roca” she recalls Clementina de Jesus, the granddaughter of African slaves, whose singing career began late in life, after decades spent washing clothes.  Two other African-based songs are “Estrella de Oxum” (about a girl singing near a river awakening the goddess of the waters) and “It’s Sweet to Die in the sea).  “Cidade Lagoa” is about the floods of Rio (albeit in a more jocular mood) and “Revenge” is a convoluted love story.  Of course, no recording of Brazilian music is complete without Jobim and Salmaso is just as successful with a couple of lesser known pieces.  Her cool vocal tones and breezy style are unfailingly ingratiating.

            On Friday, November 5, Monica Salmaso will perform at Joe’s Pub.