CD Review: Paulo Padilha's 'Na Lojinha De Eu Me Sinto Milionario'

Paulo Padilha
Na Lojinha De Eu Me Sinto Milionario
Boranda

Brazil's Paulo Padilha is a talented musician with a knack for crafting delicate songs with a message in a fanciful format with traditional instruments. The thirteen songs feature giddy tunes with an effervescent guitar, swishy percussion, and breezy arrangements that are perfectly-suited for the oceanside shanties and bungalows or high-rise offices. Paulo permeates every facet of life with his evocative little songs. The instrumental nuances are full of life with scintillating guitar work that possesses a Portuguese influence and South American essence. The music mixes a little jazz and neo-classical influences with folk and pop to create a very intriguing and lasting recording. The vocals are rich and varied with a moderate dose of maturity. Anyone looking for easy-going, Brazilian music with roots in Portuguese and folk styles will love Paulo's new release. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Toninho Ferragutti's 'O Sorriso Da Manu'

Toninho Ferragutti
O Sorriso Da Manu
Boranda

Brazil's Toninho Ferragutti brings us a pleasant album of instrumental greatness, Latin jazz, and neo-classical brilliance. The musical repertoire includes piano, accordion, viola, clarinet, contrabass, violins, assorted percussion, and other strings. The tunes are rather light, yet contain a little flamenco embellishments, as well as jazzy undertones. The piano twinkles with jazzy brilliance, as well as the ambulating instrumentation. The music is very cinematic and all-encompassing. Nothing is overtly dance, Latin, jazz, or fusion. There seems to be a good mix of styles and instrumentation that should satisfy any Brazilian music fan. There are nine compositions in all. The melodic tunes are energetic, contemplative, and playful throughout. The music changes with the moods of the instruments. Fans of the accordion will love it. Others into Brazilian jazz and contemporary music will also love it. You can't help but love it. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Paula Santoro's 'Mar Do Meu Mundo'

Paula Santoro
Mar Do Meu Mundo
Boranda

Brazil's newest star emerges from the mix of South American female singers to come out of the region. Paula's sincere vocals are fluid and heavenly. They are a perfect match for the light and giddy percussion, drums, piano, and bass. There is an element of jazz and chamber music throughout. There is also a classical component, but the Brazilian charm shines through most. "Arabesco" and "Flor" showcases her jazzy side, while  "Sambura de Peixe Miudo" and "Luz da Terra" display a more textured palette of sound representing a Brazilian edge. Whatever the song may be, it won't be a disappointment. Fans of female, Brazilian singers, jazz music, and South American pop will love Paula's mature and distinctive voice of sound. It's magical to say the least. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Mario Adnet's 'Um Olhar Sobre Villa Lobos'

Mario Adnet
Um Olhar Sobre Villa Lobos
Boranda

Latin Grammy-winning composer, arranger, and performer, Mario Adnet, hails from Brazil. Mario's jazzy and classical pieces include the warmth and talent of Milton Nascimento, Edu Lobo, Monica Salmaso, Paula Santoro, Yamandu Costa, and Muiza Adnet. There are rich orchestrations that are cinematic, improvisational, and uplifting. The fourteen tracks represent a solid repertoire of Brazilian-fused classical compositions with a touch of jazz and filmic qualities to entrance every listener everywhere. The orchestrations are a definite highlight, but the vocals are also quite desirable. Fans of Brazilian classical music, jazz, bossa-nova, pop standards, and South American music should check out the nostalgic tunings and chords on Mario Adnet's latest release. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Brazil-native, Antonio Loureiro, Releases 'So'

Antonio Loureiro
So
Boranda

A master of vibraphone, drum, percussion, piano, bass, guitar, and vocals, Antonio Loureiro knows how to make lively music with a passionate and playful tone that is unforgettable and spontaneous. The ten-track release is mostly instrumental, but some vocals show up from time to time. There are over one dozen additional guest musicians, which supply a good degree of musical accompaniment on jazzy percussion, playful horns, and classical fusion with various degrees of ethnic elements cropping up, too. The Brazilian roots shine through on every track with lively percussion, playful piano melodies, and a host of fusion elements that scream South American influences. Fans of Brazilian jazz and folk music will love this one. ~ Matthew Forss