Brazil’s most-finest rhythms
Mariana Knabben, Journalist, Brazilian
From my last article you can see that not only good music Brazil is made of, but when the music is good, it’s actually amazing. The kind of music I want talk about it now has been listened for generations and that’s the kind that will never die. These fit in extremely well with my taste, like I listen to it constantly on my I-POD. I’m talking about “Bossa Nova”, “Brazilian Popular Music” and “Samba Rock”.
“Bossa Nova” was popularized by Antonio Carlos Jobim, Vinicius de Moraes and João Gilberto between 50’s and 60’s. This rhythm has a great melody, easy to listen and to enjoy. It was usually sung by a solo artist. One the most important instruments for its composition was the piano, which I love it. I played the piano for six years back in Brazil when I was a teenager. Nowadays, it’s still going strong with new artists such as Bebel Gilberto (daughter of Joao Gilberto) exploring it. There’s much more than “The Girl From Ipanema” song in Bossa Nova. To me, it’s one of those rhythms that I listen especially when I want to chill and now and then makes me homesick too. One of my favorites songs is “Corcovado”. Check the artists at http://www.jobim.com.br/e.index.html, http://www.viniciusdemoraes.com.br/, http://www.joaogilberto.org/ and http://www.bebelgilberto.com/.
“Brazilian Popular Music” is another rhythm that was born in mid 60’s. Most of its representants are solo artists. It grew slowly but it’s still one of the importants styles in Brazil. The base instrument used to create this amazing style is the classical guitar. The rhythm is faster than “Bossa Nova”, but not less interesting. It has great musical arrangements. “Brazilian Popular Music” as the name already says, is Brazil’s character. A style that goes along with anything, especially a glass of wine. It’s also in my favorites list. Popular singers are Caetano Veloso (http://caetanoveloso.com.br/), Gilberto Gil (http://www.gilbertogil.com.br), Chico Buarque (http://chicobuarque.com.br/) and Zélia Duncan (http://www2.uol.com.br/zeliaduncan/).
“Samba Rock” is the mixture of these two rhythms. The results is very different from others styles influenced by samba. It was originated in the 60’s as well and throughout the years became stronger. For this, the instruments are combined like there’s Brazilian percussion and pandeiro from samba and drums and guitar from rock. Mostly is sung by solo artists. A style that makes you dance; that’s what I feel when I listen to it. Lyrics are usually about a woman or places. In this category I really like “Seu Jorge”, one of the finest singers with a beautiful voice. He has a song called “Mariana” and I had the opportunity to see him live last year at the Hollywood Bowl. An amazing concert! Check him at http://www.seujorge.com/blog/home.php, and also Jorge Ben Jor at http://www.benjor.com.br/.
These styles are part of my life and have a big influence on me, on what I like in music as melody and lyrics. I wasn’t even being born when they created all of this, but I learned how to appreciate every single word that’s being said from these phenomenal singers. This article has a special meaning to me because for my next one I’ll be checking out one them! It’s Gilberto Gil at UCLA! Can’t wait!
Tom Jobim Vinicius de Moraes
João Gilberto Bebel Gilberto
Caetano Veloso Gilberto Gil
Chico Buarque Zélia Duncan
Seu Jorge Jorge Ben Jor
