The Nineteenth Case of the Brazilian Tag Team

Portland's own DJ Brother Charlie joins me in the booth again today for our Nineteenth Case of Brazilian Tag Team. 

Our theme today follows my effort to find "holiday music" from Africa, Brazil, and Latin America; not necessarily music written for the holidays, but music that sounds right during the season.

One common vibe of US holiday music is the hushed tone expression of awe and wonder evident in songs like "Silent Night" and "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas." That theme plays well into the Brazilian genres, where Bossa Nova broke through in the late 50s with its own brand of hushed tone magic. There are no shortage of Bossa Nova comps with names like "Quiet Storm" and "Gentle Rain." Today Brother Charlie and I mine for those gems of quiet reflection in the Case of the Brazilian Silent Night.

My own set today will look for that Bossa Nova influence in 3 branches of Brazilian music. The first part of my set draws from classic artists of the Bossa Nova movement including Geraldo Vandre, Chico Buarque, Os Ipanemas, and Vinicius e Toquinho. My second act today looks for Bossa influence in some gentle sambas; artists include Antonio Carlos e Jocafi along with the immortal Cartola. My third set today explores Bossa influence in 60s and 70s MPB, with tracks by Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, and even a pop gem from forro godfather Luiz Gonzaga.

Then, of course, Brother Charlie makes the scene with his deep crates, doing his own spin on the Silent Night theme.

Happy Holidays!