In 1999, I wrote the liner notes for a Starbucks Coffee compilation CD, Olá Brasil: Rhythms of Joy and Longing. It focused on bossa nova and MPB and was quirky in its mix of tunes but fun to listen to. Pink Martini's "Brazil" (their version of Ary Barroso's landmark exaltation samba "Aquarela do Brasil") was the most unconventional pick while Elis Regina and Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Águas de Março" and Luiz Bonfá's "Manhã de Carnaval" were conventional yet gratifying choices. The CD is available used from Amazon and elsewhere. The CD liner notes can be read below, followed by a few music videos of the selections.
Videos of Song Selections
Vinícius Cantuária, "Amor Brasileiro"
Elis Regina and Antonio Carlos Jobim, "Águas de Março"
Pink Martini performing "Brazil" ("Aquarela do Brasil")
Read about Brazilian Music
The Brazilian Sound: Samba, Bossa Nova
and the Popular Music of Brazil
by Chris McGowan and Ricardo Pessanha (Temple University Press)
and the Popular Music of Brazil
by Chris McGowan and Ricardo Pessanha (Temple University Press)
(the leading guide to Brazilian music in English;
available on Amazon worldwide)
by Chris McGowan
(interviews with iconic figures from Jobim
and Airto to Djavan and Gal Costa)
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