Saudades do Brasil

"Saudade" is a Portuguese word that has no direct translation in English or in French- although it is sometimes translated in French as "vague à l'âme" (wave to the soul?).

It refers to the longing for the return of something that was once loved, but is now gone, or far. It blends feelings of melancholy and nostalgia- and can provoke a rush of sudden sadness combined with paradoxical joy that arises from accepting that the saddening fate could soon be replaced by a new fulfillment.

Quite an interesting concept, really -- especially in music. The term has been very much associated with Bossa Nova, and was part of the the title of the seminal Bossa Nova album, "Chega de Saudade" (1959) written by Tom Jobim and interpreted by João Gilberto. The first track of this selection is taken from this album.

The lingering "saudade" feeling can be felt in many other styles of music, as it is a true part of the Brasilian people's identity. This selection of tracks is a very eclectic mix of songs of different styles, that in some way or another make my mind linger, and rock my soul in both a melancholic and joyfull way. Some of course sound more sad than cheerful, or the opposite- as I said it was a very personal appreciation. This compilation fuses Bossa Nova with MPB, Samba, Soul, Funk and even disco music. Nothing huge for the dancefloor, but great music to make you mind travel a little.

Most of the artists that are compiled here are very popular mainstream artists in Brazil, but I've tried to include some of their lesser known songs. Some, as Bossa Nova godfather Joao Gilberto, poet Vinicius de Moraes, and Chico Buarque could not be ignored in this collection. Others include Wilson Simonal, Jorge Ben, Bebeto (bass player from Tamba trio), Soul Brother number 1 in Brasil Tim Maia, Marcos Valle, Samba Legend Martinho da Vila, Tropicalists Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso & Gal Costa, etc...

Tracklist is:

01. João Gilberto - Saudade fez um samba, 1959
02. Gilberto Gil - Queremos Guerra, 1969
03. Chico Buarque - Cotidiano, 1971
04. Vinicius de Moras e Trio Mocoto - Como Dizia O Poeta, 1971
05. Jorge Ben - Negro É lindo, 1971
06. Dom Salvador e Abolicão - Hey Voce, 1971
07. Bebeto - Batuque, 1975
08. João Donato - A Ra (the frog), 1973
09. Gal Costa - Desafinado, 1973
10. Wilson Simonal - Nem Vem Que Nao Tem, 1967
11. Caetano Veloso - Irene, 1969
12. Vinicius de Moraes - Tomara, 1971
13. Marcos Valle - Garra, 1970
14. Jorge Ben - Que Nega e Essa, 1972
15. Tim Maia - Réu Confesso, 1973
16. Trio Mocoto - Maior É Deus, 1973
17. Martinho da Vila - Disritmia, 1974
19. Cravo e Canela - Preco De Cada Um, 1977
19. Orlandivo - Bolinha de Sabão, 1977
20. Alaide Costa - Catavento, 1976

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