Sense of Place: David Dye’s 10 Brazilian Albums That You Have To Hear

This week on World Cafe with David Dye is Sense of Place: Rio. Combining performances, interviews, videos and an interactive map of Rio, the trip included stops in Rio and Salvador. Check out the segments here as David traces Brazilian music to its source and presents exclusive behind the scenes snapshots of the vibrant, colorful, and diverse Brazilian music scene in sound and vision. As a musical companion for Sense of Place, we asked David to pull together a list of “must hear” Brazilian records.

Brazil Classic Volume 1: Beleza Tropical – David Byrne’s ground breaking compilation that opened North America’s ears to the most important post-Tropicalia Brazilian music.

Tropicalia Ou Panis et Circenses – The 1968 compilation is a seminal document of the Tropicalia movement.

Joao Gilberto –The Legendary Joao Gilberto – Another compilation that includes almost all of the architect of Bossa nova’s 1959 album Chega de Saudade, considered his best.

Luis Bonfa – Solo In Rio 1959 – 1959 was a great year for Bossa Nova. The composer of “Manha de Carnaval,” the theme of the film Black Orpheus, made a solo album playing these incredible songs and was reissued by Smithsonian Folkways.

Elis Regina and Tom Jobim –Elis and Tom – This is a beautiful sophisticated album from the revered composer Jobim and Elis Regina.

Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto with Astrud Gilberto –Getz/Gilberto – It started the bossa nova craze in 1964 and holds up nearly 50 years later.

Tim Maia – The Existential Adventures of Tim Maia – Wild man soul/funk performer from the 70’s on recently got a definitive compilation from Luaka Bop.

Suba – Sao Paulo Confessions – As AllMusic puts it: “The modernity of techno beats and sampled loops with traditional Brazilian music.” The late producer who is responsible for the best selling Bebel Gilberto album, Tanto Tempo, made a perfect electronic album of his impressions of Sao Paulo.”

Seu Jorge – Cru – A new generation actor and musician with his best work yet.

Carlinhos Brown –Alfagamabetizado – The Bahian superstar’s first album. It may be out of print in the US, but worth looking for!