Yikes! I just realized I've missed an entire week! Time flies when you're having fun! I hope this week's reader picks makes up for lost time. This pick comes from reader DJ Socrates. Enjoy!
"Cordão da Insônia" - Cèu
Cèu is a Brazilian singer-songwriter and this track is from her latest album, Vagarosa.
Have you recently heard a great track that you would like to share? Send in your review of a track for our weekly "Reader's Picks" series. Here, we want to know what you listen to.
Showing posts with label Brazil. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brazil. Show all posts
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
Monday, 7 March 2011
This Week's Picks (#34)
I'm in a Brazilian mood today, so please enjoy this week's picks!
"Lero-Lero" - Luisa Maita
A contemporary artist from São Paulo, Luisa Maita is a perfect example of modern Brazilian music done well. Obviously rooted in bossa nova and samba, Maita throws in some pop influences for a relaxed sound. Best part, the label is offering a free download of this track. To download, visit: luisamaita.bandcamp.com/track/lero-lero-free-download
"A Namorada" - Carlinhos Brown
If you are going to talk about modern Brazilian music, you have to bring up Carlinhos Brown. This isn't a new discovery for me, as I came across this song a few years back as part of the album Brazil-The Greatest Songs Ever and loved it. But it does deserve to be a pick as it is just so much fun! Carlinhos is a tropicália artist, which is upbeat, catchy and delightfully different from the low-key samba and bossa nova.
"The Girl from Ipanema" - Astrud Gilberto & Stan Getz
Now that we've heard some modern Brazilian tunes, we have to dip into a the classics. You can't get more classic Brazilian bossa nova than Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto. I love this track, but I think it's a bit of a shame that Astrud Gilberto looks so awkward when she sings.
"Lero-Lero" - Luisa Maita
A contemporary artist from São Paulo, Luisa Maita is a perfect example of modern Brazilian music done well. Obviously rooted in bossa nova and samba, Maita throws in some pop influences for a relaxed sound. Best part, the label is offering a free download of this track. To download, visit: luisamaita.bandcamp.com/track/lero-lero-free-download
"A Namorada" - Carlinhos Brown
If you are going to talk about modern Brazilian music, you have to bring up Carlinhos Brown. This isn't a new discovery for me, as I came across this song a few years back as part of the album Brazil-The Greatest Songs Ever and loved it. But it does deserve to be a pick as it is just so much fun! Carlinhos is a tropicália artist, which is upbeat, catchy and delightfully different from the low-key samba and bossa nova.
"The Girl from Ipanema" - Astrud Gilberto & Stan Getz
Now that we've heard some modern Brazilian tunes, we have to dip into a the classics. You can't get more classic Brazilian bossa nova than Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto. I love this track, but I think it's a bit of a shame that Astrud Gilberto looks so awkward when she sings.
Monday, 5 July 2010
A Tribute to the World Cup Losers #5: The Quarter Finals
We are currently featuring a special series on the World Cup and will return to our normal schedule including "This Week's Picks" and "Wednesday's Reader Picks" when the series is finished. We do hope you enjoy the current series.
Alright, so maybe calling them "losers" is a little harsh seeing as they made their way into the final 16, but this new series will focus on the countries who are eliminated during the final stage of the World Cup. As the 2010 World Cup in South Africa moves into the elimination stage, Nomad's Playlist will be showcasing our favorite picks from the countries unfortunate enough to be thrown out of the running.
The Quarter Finals saw four more teams sent home in some surprising upsets, but the good news is that we get to listen to some great music!
Brazil
In a surprise lost, Brazil gives up their spot in the semi-finals to the Netherlands. Whereas it may be hard to find some music from the Netherlands, Brazil has the opposite problem-- there's just too much good music!
"Shimbalaie" by Maria Gadú
Maria Gadú is a new young Brazilian pop singer who seems to be taking the country by storm. This track was her first single and topped the charts for five weeks. "Shimbalaie" is now available on her self-titled album, Maria Gadú (2009). I've surprised myself by liking this track, as it's a little too poppy for my normal tastes. However, I enjoy the relaxed beat and think this song is great for unwinding.
Ghana
In a heartbreaking match, Ghana lost in the penalty shoot-out after their last goal of the game was deflected by a handball. This unfortunately means that the last African team lost its chance at an African World Cup title.
"KyenKyen Bi Adi Mawu" by Alhaji K. Frimpong
You can't discuss music from Ghana without talking about highlife. Highlife is a hybrid style created in Ghana in the 1900s, combining African song forms, Christian hymns, European brass band, and big band jazz. It has successfully been the jam of Ghana for a century. Even if Ghana can't pull through when it comes to football, they can definitely crank out the music.
Argentina
Much to the dismay of the entire country of England, Argentina lost to Germany. Not only did they lose, but they were surprisingly battered by the same team that sent England home.
"La Gloria" by Gotan Project
The Gotan Project successfully introduce and wed the world of folk music to the electronic. This track is from their newest album Tango 3.0 (2010). (I recommend watching their official video here for some fun dancing.) "La Gloria" features the voice of Victor Hugo Morales, the Argentinian football commentator, and the track even manipulates his voice to say "GOOOOOOOOTAN!" rather than "GOOOOOOAL!" In this particular setting, the change may be appropriate.
Paraguay
In one of the least surprising defeats this weekend, Paraguay lost to Spain. As Paraguay are sent home, we are left with one more South American country for our musical tribute.
"A Mi Tierra" by Luis Alberto del Paraná
For Paraguay's tribute, we're going to go old school with Luis Alberto del Paraná who was big in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. He traveled extensively bringing recognition to Paraguayan music. He is one of the most famous Paraguayan musicians.
Alright, so maybe calling them "losers" is a little harsh seeing as they made their way into the final 16, but this new series will focus on the countries who are eliminated during the final stage of the World Cup. As the 2010 World Cup in South Africa moves into the elimination stage, Nomad's Playlist will be showcasing our favorite picks from the countries unfortunate enough to be thrown out of the running.
The Quarter Finals saw four more teams sent home in some surprising upsets, but the good news is that we get to listen to some great music!
Brazil
"Shimbalaie" by Maria Gadú
Maria Gadú is a new young Brazilian pop singer who seems to be taking the country by storm. This track was her first single and topped the charts for five weeks. "Shimbalaie" is now available on her self-titled album, Maria Gadú (2009). I've surprised myself by liking this track, as it's a little too poppy for my normal tastes. However, I enjoy the relaxed beat and think this song is great for unwinding.
Ghana
"KyenKyen Bi Adi Mawu" by Alhaji K. Frimpong
You can't discuss music from Ghana without talking about highlife. Highlife is a hybrid style created in Ghana in the 1900s, combining African song forms, Christian hymns, European brass band, and big band jazz. It has successfully been the jam of Ghana for a century. Even if Ghana can't pull through when it comes to football, they can definitely crank out the music.
Argentina
"La Gloria" by Gotan Project
The Gotan Project successfully introduce and wed the world of folk music to the electronic. This track is from their newest album Tango 3.0 (2010). (I recommend watching their official video here for some fun dancing.) "La Gloria" features the voice of Victor Hugo Morales, the Argentinian football commentator, and the track even manipulates his voice to say "GOOOOOOOOTAN!" rather than "GOOOOOOAL!" In this particular setting, the change may be appropriate.
Paraguay
"A Mi Tierra" by Luis Alberto del Paraná
For Paraguay's tribute, we're going to go old school with Luis Alberto del Paraná who was big in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. He traveled extensively bringing recognition to Paraguayan music. He is one of the most famous Paraguayan musicians.
Wednesday, 9 June 2010
Wednesday's Reader Picks
This week reader Muhummad takes us to Brazil to hear the artist Seu Jorge.
"Life on Mars" by Seu Jorge
Seu Jorge grew up in the urban slums of Rio de Janeiro to become a critically acclaimed Brazilian musician. Although, it’s his cover versions of David Bowie classics that has brought him international recognition. Yeah you’re right; I said “cover versions of David Bowie classics”. I grew up listening to Bowie and am weary of any musicians covering original classics. Who could do justice to Bowie? Seu does and more so. Seu’s take on “Life on Mars” oozes an “effortless cool”. His softly spoken Portuguese vocals and gentle strumming on the acoustic guitar adds a whole new dimension to Bowie’s timeless classic. This “effortless cool” is nothing short of pure musical genius. Seu’s rendition of “Life on Mars” inspires all would be musicians to pick up an acoustic guitar and learn Portuguese.
Other tracks on the album include Seu’s covers on: “Starman”, "Rebel Rebel," "Rock 'n' Roll Suicide," "Five Years," "Lady Stardust," "When I Live My Dream," "Suffragette City," "Oh! You Pretty Things," "Ziggy Stardust," "Changes" and "Queen Bitch". David Bowie sums the album up by saying; "Had Seu Jorge not recorded my songs acoustically in Portuguese I would never have heard this new level of beauty which he has imbued them with." Bowie’s right.
(Reviewed by Muhummad)
Do you have a favorite track you'd like to share? Click here for details on how to submit your track for our next edition of "Wednesday's Reader Picks".
"Life on Mars" by Seu Jorge
Seu Jorge grew up in the urban slums of Rio de Janeiro to become a critically acclaimed Brazilian musician. Although, it’s his cover versions of David Bowie classics that has brought him international recognition. Yeah you’re right; I said “cover versions of David Bowie classics”. I grew up listening to Bowie and am weary of any musicians covering original classics. Who could do justice to Bowie? Seu does and more so. Seu’s take on “Life on Mars” oozes an “effortless cool”. His softly spoken Portuguese vocals and gentle strumming on the acoustic guitar adds a whole new dimension to Bowie’s timeless classic. This “effortless cool” is nothing short of pure musical genius. Seu’s rendition of “Life on Mars” inspires all would be musicians to pick up an acoustic guitar and learn Portuguese.
Other tracks on the album include Seu’s covers on: “Starman”, "Rebel Rebel," "Rock 'n' Roll Suicide," "Five Years," "Lady Stardust," "When I Live My Dream," "Suffragette City," "Oh! You Pretty Things," "Ziggy Stardust," "Changes" and "Queen Bitch". David Bowie sums the album up by saying; "Had Seu Jorge not recorded my songs acoustically in Portuguese I would never have heard this new level of beauty which he has imbued them with." Bowie’s right.
(Reviewed by Muhummad)
Do you have a favorite track you'd like to share? Click here for details on how to submit your track for our next edition of "Wednesday's Reader Picks".
Sunday, 6 June 2010
Free Album! Atração Presents: Music From Brazil
You can't beat free music and luckily Amazon.com offers some free albums from time to time. If you enjoy Brazilian music, you've got to download this album from Amazon:
Atração Presents: Music From Brazil
http://www.amazon.com/Atra%C3%A7%C3%A3o-Presents-Music-From-Brazil/dp/B002KQ0XSG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1275858025&sr=1-2
Atração Presents: Music From Brazil
http://www.amazon.com/Atra%C3%A7%C3%A3o-Presents-Music-From-Brazil/dp/B002KQ0XSG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1275858025&sr=1-2
Monday, 24 May 2010
This Week's Picks (#2)
London's heat wave has inspired some hot tunes for this week's picks. There is nothing better to get you in the summer mood than some spicy Latin grooves. Get your margaritas and mojitos ready and let's dance.
"Pura Salsa" by King Bongo
Salsa is the name given to a genre of music created by Cuban and Puerto Rican immigrants in New York in the 1960s and 70s. It's stylistically Cuban in origin, but has since been mixed with genres including R&B, rock, pop, and jazz to create what is recognized as "the essential pulse of Latin music." A more recent recording, this track by King Bongo is a prime example of the salsa style so closely identified with the salsa style of dancing.
(Reviewed by Alexandra)
"London Samba" by Joyce
Cooling down a bit, this tune is a beautiful jazzy samba by the Brazilian artist Joyce. Written after a trip to England, this track features her smooth voice in harmony with the trombone. The samba pulse keeps this tune from getting too chill. Joyce started recording in the late sixties, and though some of her tracks can be a bit on the cheesy side, sometimes a cheesy samba groove is just what you need to relax to on a summer day.
(Reviewed by Alexandra)
"La Burrita" by Cumbia Ya!
(embedding is disabled upon request: Please visit YouTube to enjoy)
Based in France, Cumbia Ya! are a group that mix French, Argentinean, and Colombia cultures to revive the 1950s Colombian cumbia style. While they do compose some original tracks, this tune "La Burrita" is a cumbian classic. A strong, solid horn section and an undeniable energy, this group is able to breathe new life into a classic style.
(Reviewed by Alexandra)
"Pura Salsa" by King Bongo
Salsa is the name given to a genre of music created by Cuban and Puerto Rican immigrants in New York in the 1960s and 70s. It's stylistically Cuban in origin, but has since been mixed with genres including R&B, rock, pop, and jazz to create what is recognized as "the essential pulse of Latin music." A more recent recording, this track by King Bongo is a prime example of the salsa style so closely identified with the salsa style of dancing.
(Reviewed by Alexandra)
"London Samba" by Joyce
Cooling down a bit, this tune is a beautiful jazzy samba by the Brazilian artist Joyce. Written after a trip to England, this track features her smooth voice in harmony with the trombone. The samba pulse keeps this tune from getting too chill. Joyce started recording in the late sixties, and though some of her tracks can be a bit on the cheesy side, sometimes a cheesy samba groove is just what you need to relax to on a summer day.
(Reviewed by Alexandra)
"La Burrita" by Cumbia Ya!
(embedding is disabled upon request: Please visit YouTube to enjoy)
Based in France, Cumbia Ya! are a group that mix French, Argentinean, and Colombia cultures to revive the 1950s Colombian cumbia style. While they do compose some original tracks, this tune "La Burrita" is a cumbian classic. A strong, solid horn section and an undeniable energy, this group is able to breathe new life into a classic style.
(Reviewed by Alexandra)
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