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Iconic Sounds for the Future
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World Riddims, Iconic Sounds for the Future >>
Iconic sounds for the future
A trio of new releases by Brazilian artists showcases the rhythm-happy country's distinct music style and diversity.
Veteran fuyitarist Toninho Hort's "To Jobim with Love" offers an old-school tribute to a Brazilian icon; the latest from singer/songwriter Milton Nascimento, "Novas Bossas," places the same icon's music in an intimate, contemporary setting; and "$1.99," the debut from youngblood quintet, A Filial, drags Brazilian music kicking and rapping into the 21st century.
Born out of Rio de Janeiro's skateboard scene, A Filial has plundered Brazilian roots music, stomped it into various world music styles and jammed in rap and hip-hop modes to create a vibrant new sound.
With percussionist Rodrigo Pacato's underlying beats, trumpeter/MC Ben Lamar adds Yankee music styles drawn from his formative years in Chicago. To complete the group's radical approach, founder and co-MC Edu Lopes, with members Castro and Flavio 52, take influences from N.W.A and the Beastie Boys into the "ciranda," or Northeastern Brazilian dance circle. The brothers-in-rhythm then embellish everything with "maracau" and "patido alto" rhythms and electronica dance beats backing lyrics that bespeak of global politics, and pride in culture, neighborhood and family.
Gently swaying in a more well-known direction, vocalist/guitarist Horta commemorates the 50th anniversary of bossa nova with his loving tribute to Brazil's iconic composer Antonio Carlos Jobim (a.k.a. Tom Jobim).
Throughout, the session and solo artist is backed by such Brazilian and jazz-world heavyweights as vocalist Gal Costa, percussionist Manolo Badrena, saxophonist Bob Mintzer and bassist Gary Peacock along with talented Horta family members and friends. Leading the sessions, Horta gives such classics as "Aqua de Beber" and "Desafinado" the same lush, sunny, orchestrated treatment the late, influential jazz producer Creed Taylor afforded Jobim during the 60s and 70s. With the core ensemble performing the basic melodies and rhythms, Horta allows strings, brass, flutes, and ethereal choices to float through the arrangements like gentle breezes.
And while Horta celebrates bossa nova and Jobim with a warm vintage touch, Nascimneto adds a contemporary feel to a set of Jobim classics backed by the Jobim Trio that features the late performer's brother Paulo on guitar and nephew Daniel on piano.
Nasciment's wonderful multi-range mellifluous voice seems to act as another instrument within the session's spare, intimate arrangements. He effectively works within the trio's subtle, acoustic small-jazz combo approach as he inhabits each Jobim composition, adding sunny melodies and his well-known bittersweet melancholy to put an effective modern spin on the recording's classic material.
Nashcimento currently stands alongside such contemporary Brazilian music giants as Gilberto Gil and Catano Velos. He was introduced to American audiences through jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter's 1974 album "Native Dancer," and since has achieved world-wide popularity through this songcraft and soaring tenor voice. This new record project should add to his international luster and his country's rich musical heritage.
Whether harkening back through Horta's guitar and vintage arrangements, heeding the present with Nascimento's sweet, soulful voice, or hurling into the future at the trippy-hippy-hoppy hands of A Filial, it's evident that Brazilian music continues to thrive, grow and keep the world dancing to its unique rhythms.
By Eric Feber 10/31/08
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