Why tune into Brazilian Music?
It's high time that Brazilian music receives the exposure that it deserves. Now I'm not talking about Sergio Mendes- Mas Que Nada that almost plays on loop in England, or the misconception that Brazilian music is all about drums and rhythms like the sound of the Beija Flor Carnival procession. The wider European community often perceive or stereotype Brazilians to people that lead easy lives and dance at high velocity around the streets of Brazil on a daily basis- incorrect. Yes there is a huge dance culture, and just as the economy there booms, so does the explosion of sounds from a range of different genres. With Brazil not yet 300 years into independence from Portugal, and with a huge multicultural influence from all over the World, new music and sounds are continually being formed and adapted.
Sertanejo
Sertanejo (Brazilian Country Music) from southern states such as Paraná, have been popularised by Portuguese & Brazilian footballers in Europe performing signature dances from famous songs, and as a result there has been an increase in the reputation of performers such as Michel Teló and Gustavo Lima in Europe.
Michel Teló
Gustavo Lima
This genre has been popular for a number of decades, with the real superstars who have achieved much longevity over the past 10 years or so being artists such as César Menotti & Fabiano, with some popular classic hits such as Como um Anjo, Retrato and Leilão which will last long in the memory for most Brazilians.
Pagode
Some of the most colorful, energetic and soulful sounds come from Salvador in the north of Brazil, most notably Pagode, which was picked up very quickly by the masses in Rio de Janeiro. This sound is still relatively new (developed through the early 80's) after the 70s funk movement, however this genre has quickly become a mainstream genre and firmly embedded as a subcategory of Samba. One of my favorite golden oldies is Jorge Aragão, once a prominent member of the Fundo de Quintal group, who developed a successful solo career. He is the Mr Cool of Pagode, with vocals so laid back he may be easily mistaken for having the odd tipple of Caipirinha or Skol before each show.
There are many artists that have taken the original flavor of Fundo de Quintal (one of Brazil's most famous original Pagode group's) and developed this over the years to add an extra dimension to this sound. Groups such as ExaltaSamba featuring the terrific vocalists Péricles and Thiaguinho, and Grupo Revelacao, who have really delivered Pagode to the masses, not only in Rio, but also in other states and cities in Brazil.
With Pagode there are no gimmicks allowed, just the purest live instrumentals and vocals for a completely natural but effective sound. With a fusion of tropical sounds from the bongos and congas, mixed with 4 string banjos, tan-tan's tambourines and brass, the only other requirement is a sense of rhythm, timing and effective vocals. This is as pure as music can get, meaning that any language barrier is easily overcome by a vibe which transcends borders, adapts cultural tastes and broadens musical minds.
Now to add a little dancing to proceedings. If anyone isn't convinced that Brazilian music doesn't embrace the spirit of multiculturalism, check out Sabrina Sato (Japanese, Swiss & Lebanese) dancing live at the Alexandre Pires concert below.
Alexandre Pires ft Sabrina Sato
With English and American artists over commercialised in the global market, we all too frequently hear the same songs both on the radio and video music channels looping over for weeks or even months on end. Foreign markets still embrace our music, but I for instance have always beggared the question as to why English, European and American markets don't embrace global music more effectively.
Time to broaden our minds!
