Brazuca Sounds

BONUS EP. (Nelson Ângelo e Joyce - Tiro Cruzado) Oct 6, 2026 00:02:17 Salve! This is a trailer for our bonus episode, exclusive to paid subscribers!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Tiro Cruzado" (Ângelo/Borges), performed by Nelson Ângelo and Joyce. A fascinating prequel to Clube da Esquina, “Tiro Cruzado” captures the sound of a musical world that was still taking shape. Ângelo’s guitar anchors an angular, tense harmony, while Te

Brazuca Sounds #97: Tom Zé - Estudando o Samba [1976] Sep 28, 2026 00:50:34 In episode #97, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Estudando o Samba. Released in 1976, Estudando o Samba may be Tom Zé’s ultimate concept album: a record that treats samba not as a fixed tradition, but as something to dismantle, investigate, and rebuild. Across its deliberately short-titled songs, he moves from samba-canção to bossa nova, avant-garde composition, microtonality and even homemade

BONUS EP. (Waldir Azevedo - Brasileirinho) Sep 8, 2026 00:02:37 Salve! This is a bonus episode exclusive to paid subscribers!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Brasileirinho", written and performed by Waldir Azevedo. ---First released in 1949, "Brasileirinho" is a celebrated instrumental with a lively melody and virtuosic style that helped popularize the cavaquinho and introduced chorinho to a bigger audience. In thi

BONUS EP. (The History of Partido Alto) Aug 28, 2026 00:02:40 Salve! This is a preview of our bonus episode exclusive for paid subscribers!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Partido Alto", written by Chico Buarque/ performed by MPB4---Today, we take a deep dive into the history of Partido Alto, a subgenre of samba. The style emerged in the 1940s as an improvised form, featuring improvised lyrics in which two singers engaged

Brazuca Sounds #96 - The Best Albums of 1976 Aug 18, 2026 00:47:03 In episode #96, we will continue our celebration of albums released 50 years ago. It was another great year for Brazilian music, with important albums such as Cartola's second album, Jorge Ben's Africa Brasil, Elis Regina's Falso Brilhante, and Tom Zé's Estudando o Samba, and more. In this episode, we will discuss some of the underrated albums of 1976. Among the records are:José Ma

BONUS EP. (Luiz Melodia - Juventude Transviada) Aug 11, 2026 00:02:28 Salve! This is a trailer for the bonus episode exclusive for paid subscribers!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Juventude Transviada", by Luiz Melodia---“Juventude Transviada” captures the marginalized urban youth as they navigate Rio de Janeiro’s social tensions. The song blends samba, rock, and soul influences, reflecting Melodia’s unique style. Its lyrics refe

BONUS EP. (João Bosco - A Nível de...) Jul 30, 2026 00:02:46 Salve! This is a preview of our latest bonus episode for paid subscribers on Patreon!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"A Nível de...", by João Bosco (Bosco/Blanc)We're celebrating the 80th birthday of João Bosco, born on July 13th, 1946, in Ponte Nova, Minas Gerais. "A Nível de..." is my favourite Bosco song, released on his ninth album, Comissão de

Brazuca Sounds #95: Moacir Santos - Coisas [1965] Jul 21, 2026 00:48:29 In episode #95, we celebrate the centennial birthday of maestro Moacir Santos. Born on July 26th, 1926, in Flores de Pajeú, Pernambuco, he arrived in Rio de Janeiro at the age of 22 to work at Rádio Nacional and study music with conductors such as Guerra-Peixe and Claudio Santoro. He became a mentor himself, and amongst his pupils are the likes of Baden Powell, João Donato, and Sérgio Mendes. Powe

BONUS EP. (Milton Nascimento - Maria Maria) Jul 14, 2026 00:02:36 Salve! This is a preview of our bonus episode exclusive for paid subscribers!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Maria Maria", by Milton Nascimento (Nascimento/Brant)---Nascimento was 36 years old, with 10 studio albums, an international career, and a collaboration with Wayne Shorter behind him. Yet it wasn't until then that he released what would become his mo

BONUS EP. (José Mauro - Rua Dois) Jun 30, 2026 00:03:01 José Mauro was a singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Rio de Janeiro who recorded all of his music in a single session in 1970. That resulted in his debut album "Obnoxius", under Roberto Quartin's record label, and a second album, "A Viagem das Horas", released six years later, with the leftover songs. "Rua Dois" is from this second LP, reissued in 2021 by Far O

Brazuca Sounds #94: The Sublime Voice of Maria Bethânia Jun 18, 2026 00:43:35 In episode #93, we are celebrating the Queen Bee of Brazilian music, Maria Bethânia. She has released 50 studio albums and is among the 10 best-selling music artists in Brazil, having sold more than 26 million copies. Born on June 18th, 1946, in Santo Amaro, Bahia, we honour her 80th birthday with a song-by-song analysis of her album "Pássaro Proibido" (1976). This was the first album to

BONUS EP. (Toquinho - "Que Maravilha") Jun 11, 2026 00:02:12 This is the preview for a bonus episode for paid subscribers!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Que Maravilha", written and performed by Toquinho, featuring Jorge BenThis episode celebrates the 80th birthday of Toquinho, born Antonio Bondeolli Pecci. He started his career as a virtuoso bossa-nova guitarist, but that changed when he met Chico Buarque in Italy, and

BONUS EP. (Tom Jobim - Lígia) May 19, 2026 00:02:12 Salve! This is the preview of our bonus episode exclusive for paid subscribers!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Lígia" (Jobim/Buarque), performed by Tom JobimTom Jobim wrote this song based on a real story about a girl he met in a bar in Rio de Janeiro, who turned out to be his daughter's teacher. They were never in a relationship, but this song reflects the

Brazuca Sounds #93: Cartola (1976) May 12, 2026 00:44:10 In episode #93, we celebrate 50 years of Cartola's second album, released in 1976 by the record label Marcus Pereira Discus. Nearly 50 years into his career, Cartola released his debut featuring many of his early sambas and chorinhos. This follow-up is completed with songs written exclusively for this album, such as "As Rosas Não Rosam", arguably his most popular song. Among other fa

BONUS EP. ( Dolores Duran - A Noite do Meu Bem) Apr 29, 2026 00:02:18 Salve! This is a preview of our latest bonus episode exclusive for paid subscribers!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"A Noite do Meu Bem", written and performed by Dolores DuranDolores Duran is one of the most important figures in Brazilian music. She wasn’t just a crooner or a performer, but was also a prolific lyricist, including words written for Tom Jobim. &q

Brazuca Sounds #92: A Trip to Brazil in 100 Songs (Part 4) Apr 15, 2026 00:49:43 In episode #92, we will feature the last 25 songs that mention Brazilian places in their lyrics. This time we traveled all over Brazil with a contemporary approach, and music produced in the 1980s, 1990s, and until now. Among the artists featured are heavyweights such as Marcos Valle, Emílio Santiago, Moraes Moreira, and present-day greats like Criolo, Racionais MCs, and Ed Motta. We finished this

BONUS EP. (Waltel Branco - Meu Balanço) Apr 8, 2026 00:02:51 Salve! This is a preview of a bonus episode exclusive for paid subscribers!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Meu Balanço", written and performed by Waltel BrancoBranco was a conductor, arranger, and classical guitarist who worked with Henry Mancini in the USA and became a household composer of soundtracks to soap operas in Brazil. One of the pioneers of Brazilian

BONUS EP. (Chico Buarque - O Que Será?) Mar 25, 2026 00:02:46 Salve! This is a preview of our latest bonus episode, available exclusively for subscribers at Patreon. Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"O Que Será?" by Chico Buarque feat. Milton NascimentoOriginally written for the soundtrack to Dona Flor and her Two Husbands, and performed by the singer Simone, this song was already a massive success when its writer recorded

Brazuca Souns #91: Pedro Santos - Krishnanda [1968] Mar 17, 2026 00:32:41 In episode #91, we talked about the sole album of percussionist Pedro "Sorongo" Santos. Recorded in a couple of weeks in 1968, he created a distinctive sonic palette, blending Brazilian music, Latin rhythms, and jazz, all while mostly using percussion instruments invented by Sorongo. The sound is so contemporary and so ahead of its time that it resembles electronic music before electroni

BONUS EP. (Banda de Pífanos de Caruaru from the film "The Secret Agent" soundtrack) Mar 10, 2026 00:02:37 Salve! This is a preview of a bonus episode exclusive for paid subscribers!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"A Briga do Cachorro com a Onça" by Banda de Pífanos de CaruaruBanda de Pífanos de Caruaru is a band active for over 100 years, with its first music recorded in 1972. The song "A Briga do Cachorro com a Onça" is from that debut album and recently

BONUS EP. (Maria Bethanea feat. Gal Costa - Sonho Meu) Feb 27, 2026 00:02:26 This is a preview of the latest bonus episode available exclusively for subscribers at Patreon. Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Sonho Meu" (Dona Yvone Lara) performed by Maria Bethânea feat. Gal CostaThe song was first recorded by Maria Bethânia in her album "Álibi" released in 1978, featuring Gal Costa, and lyrics written by Dona Ivone Lara, the firs

BONUS EP. (Martinho da Vila - Aquarela Brasileira Feb 17, 2026 00:03:31 Salve! This is a bonus episode for paid subscribers!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Aquarela Brasileira" (Silas de Oliveira) by Martinho da VilaThe intro to “Aquarela Brasileira” is perhaps the most famous ever written for Carnaval. Composer Silas de Oliveira wrote the samba-enredo in 1964 exclusively for Rio’s desfiles—the annual parades of floats and costumes

Brazuca Sounds #90: Vinícius de Moraes e Baden Powel - Os Afro-Sambas (1966) Feb 10, 2026 00:40:46 In episode #90, we explored one of the most revered albums in Brazilian music history. Recorded live between January 3rd and 6th, 1966, Os Afro-Sambas has endured decades of change and upheaval in Brazil’s musical landscape. The unlikely duo behind it—Baden Powell, a 24-year-old virtuoso guitarist of poor Afro-Brazilian origins, and Vinícius de Moraes, 51, celebrated white-diplomat songwriter of G

BONUS EP. (Guilherme Coutinho - Atalaia) Jan 27, 2026 00:03:28 Salve! This is a bonus episode for paid subscribers!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Atalaia" by Guilherme CoutinhoGuilherme Coutinho was an obscure keyboardist from Belém, in Brazil’s Amazon region. “Atalaia” first appeared in 1978 on Guilherme Coutinho e o Grupo Stalo, released by his hometown radio station’s label. It's a laid-back song with an atmospheri

Brazuca Sounds #89 - New Sounds of Brazil 5 Jan 14, 2026 00:28:13 In episode #89, we discussed some of the best Brazilian albums released in 2025. Among the albums discussed were BaianaSystem, Alberto Continentino, and Seu Jorge, with his first album in 10 years.We also discussed singer-songwriter Luedji Luna and her two albums released in 2025; the latest album from Jadsa, the psychedelic duo Parque do São; millenial singer songwriter Rubel; and the new album r

BONUS EP. (Cassiano - Onda) Jan 12, 2026 00:02:56 Salve! This is a preview of our bonus episode exclusive for paid ⁠⁠subscribers⁠⁠!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Onda" by CassianoReleased on the third Cassiano album, Cuban Soul-18 Kilates, from 1976, "Onda" was never a big hit in Brazil until it found success through hip-hop samples. Combining Brazilian rhythms with American soul and funk elements,

Christmas BONUS EP. ("Boas Festas" written by Assis Valente) Dec 25, 2025 00:02:16 Salve! This is a bonus episode available for all!Subscribe to our Patreon to unlock all of our archive of bonus eps!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Boas Festas" written by Assis ValenteThis is the quintessential Brazilian Christmas song. Samba songwriter Assis Valente wrote it in 1932 while living alone, far from his family, in a boarding house in the suburbs o

Brazuca Sounds #88: Gilberto Gil - Refazenda (1975) Dec 16, 2025 00:04:09 This is a preview of our latest monthly episode.It was initially released in full and is now available exclusively to our subscribers on Patreon⁠.In episode #88, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Refazenda, the landmark album released by Gilberto Gil in 1975. Conceived as a return to his Northeastern roots, the record marked a decisive shift away from the Tropicalia movement and the more rock-o

BONUS EP. (Carinhoso - Pixinguinha) Dec 11, 2025 00:02:59 Salve! This is a preview of our bonus episode exclusive for paid ⁠subscribers⁠!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Carinhoso" written by Pixinguinha and João de BarrosConsidered one of the most important Brazilian songs of all time, "Carinhoso" was written by flutist/saxophonist Pixinguinha in 1917 as an instrumental piece. However, it was not until the 1

Brazuca Sounds #87: Joyce - Feminina (1980) Dec 1, 2025 00:37:54 In episode #87, we celebrate 45 years of the album "Feminina" released by Joyce Moreno in 1980. Arguably, her most important work, with feminist ideas ahead of her time, especially considering the Brazilian socio-political context. A jack of all trades, Joyce wrote all the lyrics and plays the guitar beautifully, enhanced by her charming voice. Among the album's highlights are "Feminina", an inter

BONUS EP. (Claudia - Deixa Eu Dizer) Nov 26, 2025 00:02:22 Salve! This is a preview of our bonus episode for paid ⁠subscribers⁠!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Deixa Eu Dizer" by Claudia (Ivan Lins/Ronaldo Bastos)This month, we're celebrating the work of Ivan Lins, who turned 80 years old in June. Another song, written by Ronaldo Bastos and featuring music by Ivan Lins, that criticizes the military regime through metaphors. The

BONUS EP. (Ivan Lins - Abre Alas) Nov 17, 2025 00:02:46 Salve! This is a trailer of our bonus episode for ⁠subscribers⁠!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Abre Alas" by Ivan LinsThis month, we're celebrating the work of Ivan Lins, who turned 80 years old in June. With lyrics written by Vitor Martins, "Abre Alas", from the album Modo Livre, is one of the most important songs during the military regime in B

BONUS EP. (Lô Borges - Clube da Esquina No2) Nov 5, 2025 00:14:48 Salve! This is a bonus episode for ⁠subscribers⁠!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:Clube da Esquina No2 by Lô Borges (Borges/Nascimento)In 1969, Milton Nascimento and teenager Lô Borges wrote the song "Clube da Esquina" for the album "Milton"(1970). Two years later, they released a sequel, written for their 1972 eponymous album, which tops many lists of

Brazuca Sounds #86: A Trip to Brazil in 100 Songs (Part 3) Oct 30, 2025 00:45:06 In episode #86, we will feature 25 more songs that mention Brazilian places in their lyrics, this time centered in the Amazon region, the Midwest, and the South. We traveled to Amazonas with João Donato, Fafá de Belém, and more. Then we moved to the Midwest with Ney Matogrosso and discussed the origins of sertanejo country music in Brazil, especially in the "Brazilian Texas" of GoiásWe f

BONUS EP. (Paulinho da Viola - Meu Mundo é Hoje) Oct 24, 2025 00:02:31 Salve! This is a trailer for our bonus episode exclusive for ⁠paid subscribers⁠!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Meu Mundo é Hoje" by Paulinho da Viola; written by Wilson BatistaPaulinho da Viola once said that Wilson Batista is the best samba songwriter who ever lived, so this episode is as much about Wilson as it is about Paulinho. He was born in 1913, from the first ge

BONUS EP. (Elis Regina - O Bêbado e a Equilibrista) Oct 15, 2025 00:02:41 Salve! This is a trailer for our bonus episode exclusive for ⁠paid subscribers⁠!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"O Bêbado e a Equilibrista" by Elis Regina; written by João Bosco and Aldir BlancThis is probably the most politically charged song in Brazil, released in the late 1970s as the military dictatorship began to crumble. The song was originally written as

Brazuca Sounds #85 - The Free Music of Hermeto Pascoal Oct 5, 2025 00:08:16 This is a preview of our latest monthly episode.It was initially released in full and is now available exclusively for our paid subscribers on Patreon!In episode #85, we explored the life and work of composer, multi-instrumentalist, and musical innovator Hermeto Pascoal, who passed away in September 2025. The word “genius” is often overused, but in Hermeto’s case it feels entirely justified. As he

BONUS EP. (Rita Lee - Ovelha Negra) Sep 30, 2025 00:16:02 Salve! This bonus episode is now available for free! You can access the episode directly from here.Please consider joining us on Patreon to get more bonus eps by signing up for our ⁠paid subscription!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today: "Ovelha Negra" by Rita LeeA folk rock ballad about someone expelled from their home for being the "black sheep" of the fa

BONUS EP. (Zé Roberto - Lotus 72D) Sep 19, 2025 00:02:03 Salve! This is a trailer for our bonus episode exclusive for ⁠paid subscribers⁠!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Lotus 72D" by Zé RobertoThe Lotus 72D was the Formula 1 World Championship-winning car driven by Emerson Fittipaldi in 1972. Inspired by watching the 1973 Brazilian Grand Prix in his hometown of São Paulo, an up-and-coming singer-songwriter penned a s

Brazuca Sounds #84: 1975 - The Year Brazil Rediscovered Samba Sep 11, 2025 00:35:47 In episode #84, we talked about several debut samba albums. After Martinho da Vila and Clara Nunes topped the Brazilian charts in 1974 and continued to do so a year later, all the major record labels rushed to find their next big thing. The year 1975 marked the release of Alcione's first album, 'A Voz do Samba', on Philips. We also talked about the debuts of Giovana, Emilio Santiago, A

BONUS EP. (Di Melo - Kilariô / Se o Mundo Acabasse em Mel) Aug 27, 2025 00:02:59 Salve! This is a preview for the bonus episode for ⁠paid subscribers⁠!Every episode is a different song. Today are two songs!"Kilariô" and "Se O Mundo Acabasse em Mel" by Di MeloAfter spending a couple of years living in Japan, singer/songwriter Di Melo moved back to Brazil with three songs in hand, including Kilariô and Se O Mundo Acabasse em Mel. Di Melo's 1975 self-title

Brazuca Sounds #83: Raul Seixas - Novo Aeon (1975) Aug 19, 2025 00:48:08 In episode #83, we are celebrating the 80th birthday of Raul Seixas [1945-1989], and the release of his fourth album, "Novo Aeon", on November 1975. The most popular Brazilian rock artist, Raul's music is characterized by intense guitar riffs, soulful vocals and blend with several music genres, including forró, baião and afrosounds. Novo Aeon is an album signifacantly inspired by Ali

BONUS EP. (Raul Seixas - O Trem das 7) Aug 12, 2025 00:03:58 Salve! This is a bonus episode for ⁠paid subscribers⁠!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"O Trem das 7" by Raul SeixasRaul Seixas is a foundational figure in Brazilian rock, blending his early influences from Elvis Presley with baião, Dylanesque storytelling, and psychedelia. He died too soon, but in this episode, we're celebrating 80 years of his birthday on J

Brazuca Sounds #82: Lula Cortes & Zé Ramalho - Paêbiru (1975) Aug 2, 2025 00:04:41 In episode #82, we talked about "Paêbiru", one of the most important albums from the Brazilian Psychedelic movement. Inspired by a trip to the archaeological site of Pedra do Ingá in Northeastern Brazil, Lula and Zé Ramalho created a blend of folk experimentation, fuzz guitars, and spatial sound, mixed with Brazilian northeastern regional music. The album became a cult treasure among collectors af

BONUS EP. (Ney Matogrosso - Homem com H) Jul 29, 2025 00:03:01 Salve! This is a preview for our bonus episode exclusive for ⁠paid subscribers⁠!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Homem com H" by Ney MatogrossoAfter disbanding Secos e Molhados, the singer Ney Matogrosso embarked on a successful solo career praised by the music critics. However, it was only with "Homem com H" from his seventh solo adventure that he cla

BONUS EP. (Novos Baianos - Mistério do Planeta) Jul 16, 2025 00:17:18 Salve! All bonus episodes are for ⁠paid subscribers⁠ only! However, this episode is available for everybody to celebrate Novos Baianos first-ever North American tour!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Mistério do Planeta" by Novos BaianosIn this bonus episode, we uncovered a song from their classic album "Acabou Chorare". Co-written by Luiz Galvão (lyric

Brazuca Sounds #81 - A Trip to Brazil in 100 Songs [Part 2] Jul 2, 2025 00:55:24 In episode #81, we shared 25 more songs talking about Brazilian places in their lyrics, this time centred in the Northeast. We traveled to Bahia with Dorival Caymmi, João Gilberto, Novos Baianos, and more. Then we moved to Luiz Gonzaga's Pernambuco, and Jackson do Pandeiro's Paraíba, and all the other Northeastern states. Djavan sings about Alagoas, Alcione praises Maranhão, and Fagner pay

BONUS EP. (Moacir Santos - Nanã) Jun 24, 2025 00:02:59 Salve! This is a preview for a bonus episode exclusive for ⁠paid subscribers⁠!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Nanã" by Moacir SantosMoacir Santos was a highly influential composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist known for his innovative approach to Brazilian music, particularly his fusion of jazz with Afro-Brazilian rhythms. He mentored prominent musicians

BONUS EP. (Azymuth - Manhã) Jun 19, 2025 00:02:57 Salve! This is a bonus episode for ⁠paid subscribers⁠!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Manhã" by AzymuthAzymuth has been a staple in studio recordings since the early 1970s, collaborating with artists like Marcos Valle, Hyldon, Raul Seixas, and many others. In 1975, they released their debut album, propelled by the success of its opening track, “A Linha do Horiz

Brazuca Sounds #80 - O Africanto dos Tincoãs [1975] Jun 10, 2025 00:06:20 Salve! This is a previous of our latest episode. All episodes are available for only a week before becoming exclusively for ⁠⁠subscribers at Patreon⁠⁠. In episode #80, we talked about the history of the vocal group Os Tincoãs. They introduced a new musical concept, not yet explored in Brazilian popular music: vocal arrangements for songs originating from Afro-Brazilian religious rituals, so presen

BONUS EP. (Djavan - Samurai) May 29, 2025 00:03:35 Salve! This is a bonus episode for ⁠paid subscribers⁠!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Samurai" by DjavanRecently signed with RCA Victor, Djavan recorded his debut album for the label in Los Angeles, with production by Ronnie Foster. When asked about Stevie Wonder's feature on the album, Djavan revealed that he wrote “Samurai” entirely in his hotel room duri

BONUS EP. (Originais do Samba - Falador Passa Mal) May 22, 2025 00:02:29 Salve! This is a trailer for the latest bonus episode for Brazuca Sounds ⁠paid subscribers⁠!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Falador Passa Mal" by Originais do SambaWritten by Jorge Ben, the song was a megahit on the radio and TV from Originais do Samba's sixth album, released in 1973. An ensemble of six percussionists, with the same core for over a decade,

Brazuca Sounds #79: Quarteto Novo May 13, 2025 00:03:41 Salve! This is a previous of our latest episode. All episodes now are only available for a week before becoming exclusively for ⁠subscribers at Patreon⁠. In episode #79, we discussed one of the best instrumental albums ever recorded. It is the Quarteto Novo's first and only album, released in 1967 via Odeon in Brazil. This album was fundamental in bringing Northeast folklore music to a nationa

BONUS EP. (Fafá de Belém - Emoriô/Naturalmente) May 6, 2025 00:02:59 Salve! This is a bonus episode for Brazuca Sounds ⁠paid subscribers⁠!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Emoriô" and "Naturalemente" by Fafá de BelémToday we're celebrating the first compacto (single) released in 1975 by singer Fafá de Belém. "Emoriô" was written by João Donato with lyrics by Gilberto Gil, and its Afro-Brazilian arrangements

BONUS EP. (Jorge Ben - Jorge da Capadócia) Apr 23, 2025 00:02:17 Salve! This is a preview to our bonus episode for ⁠paid subscribers⁠!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Jorge da Capadócia" by Jorge BenApril 23rd is a state holiday in Rio de Janeiro, celebrated in honor of Saint George's Day. Among his many devotees is Jorge Ben, who paid tribute to the saint in several songs, sometimes blended with Afro-Brazilian spirituality, through Sa

Brazuca Sounds #78 - Tim Maia Racional Vol.1 [1975] Apr 15, 2025 00:03:52 Salve! This is a previous of our latest episode. All episodes now are only available for a week before becoming exclusively for ⁠⁠subscribers at Patreon⁠⁠. In episode #78, we discussed Tim Maia's album Racional Volume 1, released in 1975. By 1974, Tim Maia had become deeply involved with Cultura Racional, a spiritual philosophy he believed could "save humanity" through the teachings

BONUS EP. (Tim Maia - Que Beleza) Apr 8, 2025 00:02:24 Salve! This is a bonus episode for Brazuca Sounds ⁠paid subscribers⁠!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Imunização Racional (Que Beleza)" by Tim MaiaIn 1974, Tim Maia completely overhauled the album he was recording, drawing inspiration from the book about an extraterrestrial spiritual force known as Racional Superior. The only minor hit from the two albums dedica

Brazuca Sounds #77 - A Trip to Brazil in 100 Songs Mar 27, 2025 00:55:18 In episode #77, we shared 25 songs explicitly talking about Brazilian places in their lyrics, from worldwide famous Corcovado and Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, to its neighborhoods, favelas, and birth to samba. We traveled to São Paulo with Caetano, Os Mutantes, and the mango opus album released by César Camargo Maria & Cia. Then we go to Minas Gerais with Milton Nascimento and his Clube da Es

BONUS EP. (Johnny Alf - Rapaz de Bem) Mar 18, 2025 00:02:48 Salve! This is a bonus episode for Brazuca Sounds paid subscribers!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Rapaz de Bem" by Johnny AlfJohnny Alf was once described by the New York Times as "a Black pianist that helped birth Bossa Nova, and his story is rarely told", so today we're talking about a song that arguably inspired the way João Gilberto played his guitar and Tom Jobim's

BONUS EP. (Tom Zé - Jimi Renda-se) Mar 6, 2025 00:02:12 Bonus episodes are exclusively for paid subscribers. Unlock now at patreon.com/brazucasoundsReleased in Tom Zé's sophomore album in 1970, the song is an avalanche of Tropicalia elements, blending together psychedelia, rock, and orchestral arrangements that are seemingly weird. The lyrics are a mixture of invented English and Portuguese, with the citation of counter-culture figures like Caetano, Ga

Brazuca Sounds #76: Ainda Estou Aqui - The Soundtrack | TRAILER Mar 4, 2025 00:04:58 Salve! This is a previous of our latest episode. All episodes now are only available for a week before becoming exclusively for ⁠⁠subscribers at Patreon⁠⁠. Unlock to have access to future episodes.In episode #76, we talked about the soundtrack of the movie "I'm Still Here", Oscar winner for Best International Feature Film. From Tom Zé electrifying guitar-driver Tropicalia to the sarc

BONUS EP. (Bebeto - Segura Nêga) Feb 25, 2025 00:14:44 Salve! This is a bonus episode for Brazuca Sounds paid subscribers!Every episode is a different song.This is the song today:"Segura Nêga" by BebetoBebeto is considered the 'King of Swing', a music genre/dance style combining elements from funk, samba, and rock, which emerged from the dance parties of São Paulo (and today is also known as samba-rock). "Segura Nêga" is a

Brazuca Sounds #75 - The Bossa Drummer in 30 Songs Feb 11, 2025 00:56:16 In episode #75 we talked about some of the greatest Brazilian drummers of all time, and how they shaped the style of playing worldwide. Among the names featured are Edison Machado, Dom Um Romão, Airto Moreira, Helcio Milito, Milton Banana, Rubens Bassotti, Chico Batera, João Palma, Ronnie Mesquita, and more. We discussed how they innovated with rim clicks, cymbal sambas (samba de prato), exquisite

BONUS EP. (Mais Kriola - Helio Matheus) Feb 4, 2025 00:01:38 Salve! This is a bonus episode for Brazuca Sounds paid subscribers! Every episode is a different song. This is the song today: "Mais Kriola" by Hélio Matheus This song was the lead single off Matheus's first and only album released in the 1970s. A combination of samba, brass, keyboards, and guitar "rockin'" beats, "Mais Kriola" is the ultimate reference to wha

BONUS EP. (Antônio Carlos e Jocafi - Kabaluerê) Jan 23, 2025 00:02:27 Salve! This is a bonus episode for paid subscribers!Unlock now by subscribing at at Patreon.Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Kabaluerê" by Antônio Carlos e JocafiA samba-oriented duo from Bahia, "Kabaluerê" became one the funkier Brazilian songs from the 1970s. How did that happen? That is what we tried to uncover on this episode, telling the backstory behind the song, br

Brazuca Sounds #74 - New Sounds of Brazil Jan 14, 2025 00:34:46 In episode #74, we discussed some of the best Brazilian albums released in 2024. From the spiritual jazz of Amaro Freitas and its world recognition, the return of magnificent Céu, the Afrobeat ensemble Nomade Orquestra, and the beautiful meditations-like songs from singer/multi-instrumentalist Luiza Brina. We also talked about brother Alvaro Lancelotti, Domenico Lancelotti, the latest from Moreno

BONUS EP. (Marcos Valle - Mentira) Jan 8, 2025 00:02:15 Salve! This is a bonus episode for Brazuca Sounds paid subscribers!Every episode is a different song.This is the song today:"Mentira" by Marcos Valle (M. Valle / Paulo Sergio Valle)Influenced by Stevie Wonder, and blending Brazilian popular music and American black music, Valle released "Mentira" in his groundbreaking 1973 album "Previsão do Tempo". It is a song with many grooves, Fender Rhodes,

BONUS EP. (Quarteto em Cy - Tudo o Que Você Podia Ser) Dec 26, 2024 00:02:41 Salve! This is a bonus episode for paid subscribers!Every episode is a different song.This is the song today:"Tudo o Que Você Podia Ser" by Quarteto Em Cy (Lo Borges/Marcio Borges)Written for the "Clube da Esquina" album by Lô and Marcio Borges, the song marked the return of Quarteto em Cy in 1972, following a two-year hiatus. Their first album for Odeon, which was Milton Nascimento's label, a lot

BONUS EP. | XMAS | (Simone - "Então É Natal") Dec 24, 2024 00:10:28 Salve! This is an extra bonus episode open to everybody.Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Então É Natal" by Simone (Cláudio Rabello/ John Lennon)There has been no Christmas in Brazil in the last 30 years without Simone's version of John Lennon's "Merry Xmas (War is Over)". Released in 1995, the song became the quintessential "Brazilian" Christmas song that we listen to eve

Brazuca Sounds #73: Best Albums of 1974 Dec 17, 2024 00:57:25 In episode #73, we will finish our celebration of albums released 50 years ago. During this year we made specials about 'A Tábua de Esmeralda', 'Elis & Tom', Cartola's debut album, Arnaldo Baptita's solo album, and more recently Gal Costa's 'Cantar'. In this episode, we will discuss some other great albums from 1973, from the brilliant samba makers Clara Nunes and Martinho da Vila to the North

BONUS EP. (Milton Nascimento - San Vicente) Dec 10, 2024 00:17:01 Salve! This bonus episode was originally exclusive to Brazuca Sounds paid subscribers, but after 2 years, I’ve decided to make it available to everyone! Enjoy!Every bonus episode is a different song. This is the song today:"San Vicente" by Milton Nascimento Written before "Clube da Esquina," Nascimento wrote the music for a play about an imaginary city (which was ultimately cen

BONUS EP. (Erlon Chaves - Eu Tambem Quero Mocotó) | PREVIEW | Nov 27, 2024 00:02:28 Salve! This is a preview bonus episode for Brazuca Sounds paid subscribers!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Eu Também Quero Mocotó" by Erlon Chaves (written by Jorge Ben)Erlon Chaves was a maestro responsible for orchestrating Wilson Simonal's biggest hits and served as Elis Regina's lead pianist on tours. "Eu Também Quero Mocotó" was written by Jorge Ben and introduced E

Brazuca Sounds #72: Manguebeat Movement Nov 19, 2024 00:48:16 In this episode, we discussed manguebeat by celebrating 30 years from the release of Chico Science & Nação Zumbi and Mundo Livre S/A's debut albums in 1994. A movement from the city of Recife, in Brazil's Northeast, manguebeat claimed to blend maracatu, which is the folklore music and dance from the region with elements of rock, dub, hip-hop, and bossa. The movement was extracted from a c

BONUS EP. (Jorge Mautner - Maracatu Atômico) | PREVIEW | Nov 12, 2024 00:02:51 Salve! This is a bonus episode for paid subscribers!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Maracatu Atômico" by Jorge Mautner (written by Mautner/Nelson Jacobina)Gilberto Gil released this song as a single (compact), then produced Jorge Mautner's sophomore album, released in 1974 via Polydor. Before making music, Mautner was a controversial writer, with his Trilogy of Kaos bann

Brazuca Sounds #71: Gal Costa- Cantar [1974] Oct 29, 2024 00:04:36 This episode is exclusive for paid subscribers. Subscribe now and also get bonus episodes! In episode #71, we celebrate the 50-year release of "Cantar" by Gal Costa. Unlike her two previous works, this is a more soft, calm, reaffirming Gal Costa's and her early bossa nova style - before she turned into Tropicalia sex symbol. Produced by Caetano Veloso and several tracks arranged by J

BONUS EP. (Gal Costa: "A Rã") | FULL EPISODE Oct 23, 2024 00:14:29 Salve! This is a bonus episode for Brazuca Sounds paid subscribers!Every episode is a different song.This is the song today:"A Rã" by Gal Costa (written by João Donato/Caetano Veloso)João Donato composed this music as "The Frog", which was recorded by his friend João Gilberto as "O Sapo" and finally has its definitive title after Caetano Veloso wrote the lyrics. Gal Costa recorded for her Caetano'

Brazuca Sounds #70: Arnaldo Baptista - Lóki? (1974) Oct 10, 2024 00:43:06 In this episode, we celebrate the 50-year release of "Lóki?", the solo debut album of Arnaldo Baptista. After departing from Os Mutantes, and dealing with depression, drug abuse, and the break up with Rita Lee, Arnaldo put together one of the most melancholy Brazilian albums ever produced. A psychedelic rock n' roll with no electric guitar on it, the album is an adventure of organ, piano, and mode

BONUS EP. (Emilio Santiago: "Bananeira") | PREVIEW | Oct 8, 2024 00:02:38 Salve! This is a bonus episode for Brazuca Sounds paid subscribers!Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:"Bananeira " by Emílio Santiago (written by João Donato/Gilberto Gil)João Donato composed this music as "Villa Grazia" while touring in Italy supporting Joao Gilberto on piano. Like almost every instrumental song he wrote, the title names were changed upon having lyrics, wri

BONUS EP. (Marcia Maria - Amigo Branco) | PREVIEW | Sep 24, 2024 00:02:45 Salve! This is a bonus episode for Brazuca Sounds paid subscribers! Every episode is a different song. This is the song today: "Amigo Branco " by Márcia Maria (written by Leci Brandão)This bonus episode is dedicated to samba legend Leci Brandão, who turned 80 years old on September 12th. Released in 1978 on Márcia Maria's debut album, and produced by boogie-Midas Lincoln Olivetti, 'Amigo Branco" b

Brazuca Sounds #69: The Music Adventure of Sergio Mendes Sep 17, 2024 00:39:06 In this episode, we celebrate the music career of the great Sergio Mendes. As hard as it is to summarise such a long discography, we hopefully brought the essential of Sergio Mendes in 15 songs (Portuguese language-only, nothing personal). We talked about the origins of "Mas Que Nada" and its meaning, personal favourites from Brasil 65 released as Sergio Mendes Trio featuring Wanda Sá and Rosinha

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