Comments on: Brazilian Uplifting Music

By: Razvan

Razvan — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:19:53 +0000

There is a channel in Romania – MyneleTv – that broadcasts “manele noi”, very similar music. – http://www.myneletv.ro

By: Nation Beat

Nation Beat — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:15:40 +0000

Hello!
I stumbled across your blog when I was looking for Brazilian music related websites. I was wondering if you would be interested in checking out a new Brazilian fusion band from Brooklyn, Nation Beat.

Here is a link for three free tracks from our brand new album. We hope you enjoy!

http://www.nationbeat.com/freetracks/

-NB

Here is a bit of writing from the press release:

“…Nation Beat specializes in Brazilian (maracatu) and New Orleans second-line funk… the obvious affection for their sources and sheer moxie they bring make Nation Beat’s sound near addictive.” — Time Out Chicago

Which nation, and which beat? What makes this group special is that it offers no simple answers. They are rhythm gatherers, harvesting the fruit of 500 years of cultural crossbreeding, which is why the sounds of the northeast of Brazil and the southern United States blend together so seamlessly; NPR’s All Things Considered music writer Banning Eyre calls them “the most original and alluring fusion group I have heard in years.”

At the heart of Nation Beat’s new album, Legends of the Preacher, lies a totally original 21st century fusion between thunderous Brazilian maracatu drumming and New Orleans second line rhythms, Appalachian-inspired bluegrass music, funk, rock, and country-blues. Conjuring the spirit of powerful and liberated carnival queens, rising Brazilian star Liliana Araujo fronts the ensemble with her soaring powerhouse vocals. A recent finalist on Brazil’s “American Idol” spin-off program FAMA, Araujo evokes the righteous soul singers of America’s gold age of soul.

Bandleader Scott Kettner describes maracatu as “a really high-energy, percussive, Afro-Brazilian dance rhythm that gets all up in your bones and makes you shake. Imagine the sound of thunder when you see a big storm coming across the ocean — that’s what it sounds like when a maracatu group is parading toward you in Brazil.” Nation Beat brings the audacious energy of this musical storm to both their recorded work and especially their electric live performances. As a result, their explosive live show has attracted music fans from a wide demographic: bluegrass and country music fans, Brazilian music lovers, outdoor festival-goers, and pretty much anyone who loves to dance.

Please give us a listen and let us know what you think!

Tu-maraca! NATION BEAT

By: carlaarena

carlaarena — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 21:04:39 +0000

Dear Robert,

I’m glad you liked as you were the one who inspired us to prepare the list! I’ll check Sabrina Malheiros. Never heard of her before…Thanks for the tip.

By: Robert

Robert — Wed, 28 May 2008 04:53:38 +0000

When I say little, I mean awesome! Great stuff, Carla. I’ve spent a very enjoyable hour wandering among your comments and colleagues, I’m sure you know the feeling…

Best,

Robert

By: Robert

Robert — Wed, 28 May 2008 04:41:09 +0000

Thank you again for the great music. I’ve been listening to some Sabrina Malheiros:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdpRJwI9NaQ
She’s wonderful if you don’t already know. The beauty of Brazilian music is that it’s so diverse.

Love your classy little blog, too.

Robert

By: carlaarena

carlaarena — Wed, 28 May 2008 01:51:00 +0000

I’ll keep you updated, Marysita! We have such a wide variety of rhythms and beats that it’s hard for people not like at least some of them. For me, it was reinvigorating! It was like taking a day off at work and pamper yourself!

By: maryh

maryh — Sat, 24 May 2008 22:33:16 +0000

Your play list was my first introduction to Brazilian music and I loved it! Thank you for taking the time to put this together and for sharing it with us. Also, I learned about last.fm too!

By: carlaarena

carlaarena — Wed, 21 May 2008 18:59:47 +0000

Ronaldo,

This was just such a fantastic collaboration. Just like you I had tons to do, but couldn’t help myself and spend a day just listening to music!

I’m waiting for more. Knowing what a great musician you are, I’m sure you still have tons of beats to share!

By: Ronaldo

Ronaldo — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:58:23 +0000

Yeah, life has been hectic lately, but getting my mind off everything and writing those suggestions was soothing…
I think we have a great reference page! I’ll probably go back later and add a few more things.

By: carlaarena

carlaarena — Mon, 19 May 2008 03:48:48 +0000

Dear Susan,

I’m glad you liked it. I spent Friday enjoying myself rediscovering Brazilian music, my roots, my passions. My playlist is just a small taste of the Brazilian beats that I wanted to share with friends.