CD Review: Badi Assad's 'Between Love And Luck'

Badi Assad
Between Love And Luck
Quatroventos

Brazil's Badi Assad brings us yet another fine recording of uppity, pop-infused, Brazilian-concoctions of stupendous proportions. The music is playful, vibrant, and varied. The edgy pop, rock, and alternative stylings incorporate the basic Brazilian sounds we come to love, but there is more to the music than meets the ear. Badi's subtle vocals are more diverse than Ceu's and a bit more mature, too. The refined tunes are varied enough to thwart boredom and staleness. In fact, it is almost impossible to create a bad album from Brazil. There is so much music to work with and Badi succeeds admirably. Between Love And Luck is a fourteen-track release that is not to be missed. Fans of Brazilian music should check this one out. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Cristina Braga's 'Samba, Jazz And Love'

Cristina Braga
Samba, Jazz And Love
Enja Records

Brazilian harpist and vocalist, Cristina Braga, employs the help of Ricardo Medeiros on double bass, Jesse Sadoc on trumpet and flugelhorn, Joca Moraes on alfaia drums and tambourine, and Arthur Dutra on vibraphone. The music is rather gentle and carefree. There are eleven tracks that are sensuous and delightful. The light percussion and breezy vocals are jazzy and bossa nova-esque. At any rate, fans of Ceu will be satisfied by the sweeping melodies and delicate rhythms. This is not particularly energetic or dance music; instead, it is more dreamy and contemplative. Every instrument seems to possess a soft, magical tone. Anyone familiar with light jazz, samba, bossa nova, folk, and Brazil pop music will find something to cheer about here. The sounds are reminiscent of 1970s Brazilian jazz music--and that is a very good thing. Don't miss out on Cristina Braga's latest release--your soul will thank you. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Carla Hassett's 'Circulo'

Carla Hassett
Circulo
Paulista Records

Brazilian-born, Chicago-raised, and an LA-resident, Carla Hassett brings her Brazilian soul and sensual attributes to her new work, Circulo. The funky, jazzy, and always melodic compositions represent a splendid work that is catchy, groovy, and modestly contemporary. The samba, bossa nova, and popular music ambiance is also inherent in the work of Ceu, but Carla's music is more structured. However, the music is still complex and richly-textured like a South American jungle. The result is an English and Portuguese concoction of sunny, breezy, and lounge-worthy tracks that could be used for a little dancing, too. Anyone interested in Brazilian popular music, jazz, bossa nova, lounge, and samba will love Carla's music. Fans of Bebel Gilberto and Ceu will love her. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Curumin's 'Arrocha'

Curumin
Arrocha
Six Degrees Records

Brazilian-born, Curumin, contains a good sense of rhythm and urban grooves steeped in Brazilian colors of warmth and brilliance. The gritty grooves contain a slew of addictive electronic embellishments and catchy melodies that do not stray too far from his Brazilian roots. The thirteen tracks are a snapshot of Brazil's electronically-inclined music industry. The seductive grooves and danceable songs are equally-textured with style, grace, and fluidity that ebbs-and-flows between cool and really cool. At any rate, the contemporary compositions are more authentic and natural than other similarly-compared groups. The absence of much electronica on "Passarinho," showcases a lighter, acoustic side of Curumin with a more pop-focused result. Arrocha, which means, 'to hold on with a lot of pressure,' is perfectly-named, as Curumin does not wither from the pressure of creating amazing music. Brazilian music fans will love Curumin and the rest of the world should be on-board by this evening! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Look To The Sky For Brazil's Ceu

Ceu

Vagarosa

Six Degrees

The lounge jazz rhythms of Brazil's Ceu is poignantly captured on her latest release, Vagarosa. The album's titled, which is translated as "leisurely", is a perfect summarization of the musical style. Ceu's songs incorporate a slight trip-hop beat, electronic undertones, bossa-nova, and 1960's psychedelica. The lounge and trip-hop rhythms are particularly evident on "Grains De Beaute" and "Ponteiro". In fact, these abovementioned tracks are closely aligned with some of the music of similar groups, such as Zero 7, Air, and Hooverphonic. Ceu's crystalline vocals shine bright and fly high throughout. Interestingly, Ceu's Portuguese name means "sky" or "heaven", which appropriately represents the far-reaching capabilities of her music. In effect, Ceu's songs seem to emanate from an otherworldly source, as they are the most beautiful sounds you will ever hear on Earth. Next time you are in the mood for a slow or leisurely journey, remember to let Ceu be your guide. ~ Matthew Forss