Also sprach JT Meireles

What up honorable dudes? I'm in a double embarrassment here. First, I wish I could provide you with a better quality rip, as I own the vinyl (ripping equipment is way too expensive here); second, I don't know why the hell I didn't post this sooner.

The mid-60's in Brazil, pretty much like USA, were deeply into funk. Sergio Mendes and Jorge Ben were the most proeminent acts to find the perfect balance between funk and samba, while bands like Brazilian Octopus were taking it to another level. For me and many others, I figure, it was the Golden Age of Brazilian instrumental music as a whole. Besides the aforementioned bands, we had fantastic trios, like Zimbo, Tamba, Sambalanço, Milton Banana, etc.

JT Meireles' most famous work was probably the arrangement for Jorge Ben's "Mas que nada" (which is a big deal), but he has an extensive and solid discography, on which even I couldn't get a decent overview. This record, one of the last of this era, however, should motivate you to pursue it as well.

pw: spooked

Rivers that keep A-flowin'

Well then, Rio is quite nice indeed, if you've been wondering. Its architecture is fascinating and diverse, but for me, its natural features are much more overwhelmingly beautiful -- no city will ever be a match for the beauty of the sea.

That said, one thing that particularly moved me was listening to Samba in its natural habitat. Even though it was in a fancy Art-related party, and there were no black musicians in the band, it still felt just right -- we've had free booze and snacks too, I must add. And when they asked the audience what the final encore should be, my gf and a friend yelled "Paulinho da Viola!" (they were aware I was a big fan of him), then the band gladly played one of his most famous songs, which is also the title of this album. Perfect.

Paulinho da Viola (viola is a popular way to say "classical guitar" in Brazil) is nothing less than a living heritage and one of the chillest guys in Rio. There are no words, in quality or quantity, which make justice to him, even in Portuguese. All I could do was my best in trying to translate the most recognizable part of the song:

A river that flowed alongside my life
and my heart let itself be carried by 

pw: spooked

Like Rio de Janeiro in winter

 
This is a quick post, as I finish the preparations for my first trip to Rio de Janeiro. A tad late, I know -- I'm almost 30 --, but I shouldn't bore you with the reasons. I'm quite sure it's a beautiful city, though I'll probably won't enjoy the beaches as much as I imagine, since it's winter down here (hence the album and title choice for today).

Telebossa is a fairly new Brazilian-German duo which amalgamates samba, bossa-nova, classical and electronic music with keen sensibility and a good dose of melancholy. While this kind of experimentation itself isn't quite novel, this is one of the only albums I really recommend. In fact, I can't recommend it enough.

(please support, if you like it)

pw: spooked

The scoutmaster of awesome music

Since my last post was about Dominguinhos, I thought it would be nice posting something of mr. Baden Powell de Aquino too (in august 6th it'd be his birthday). If there's something in my life I deeply regret is missing the opportunity of seeing him playing in my town, as he would eventually become one of my top artists of all time.

Despite being usually associated with bossa nova -- quite demeaning, IMO -- , he was proficient in countless styles, with a rare combination of compositional and technical prowess. This record, his first album I've heard, gives a glimpse of that -- you'll know when you hear his rendition of Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring and Consolação's utter madness.

The tracklist is close to perfection, which makes me consider this one of the best live albums ever recorded.

pw: spooked

samba sundays.

not too much information floating around the barrens about this gem. bought this a week or two ago while enjoying the little bit of sun we sometimes get, & the cover really intrigued me. this is perfect for sunshine & warmth. you can hear the dirt & grit in these cat's voices. samba is a genre that i'm familiar with, but not enough to gush about who is playing on this album or to even really know who to compare this to. i just dig the hell out of it, & i think y'all will too. also, on a completely unrelated note, has anyone noticed that more & more mediafire accounts are being suspended or purged? it's a real troubling time we live in friends. does anyone know of safer clouds to hang yr hat from? i notice a lot of euros use rapidgator... is that legit? a conversation about this should be had by everyone as i feel it's in the best interest of our community. don't let the inquisition torch yr library without a fight.