Search - Emilio Santiago :: Emilio Santiago

Excellent Brazilian vocalist's first album

Johan Reijenga | Groningen, The Netherlands | 03/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) is the common Brazilian term for the country's popular music. It's a fusion of samba, jazz, funk, and soul. Emílio Santiago is one of my favourite artists within this genre. He is truly comfortable singing in a wide variety of styles. Listen to and enjoy his soulful voice in ballads as well as in sambas.My favourite song on this 1975 debut album is Gilberto Gil and João Donato's "Bananeira". Who ever thought of singing about a banana tree? My Portuguese is not that good, but that doesn't matter here. I played it a lot in the jazz club where I used to work. If the classic break beat drums and João Donato's funky electric piano don't get your feet off the ground..... WHAT WILL? Great horn arrangements with trumpets, saxophones, a trombone, and even a flute. Very seventies, very original, very cool! Too bad there are no sound samples available for this album yet.Buy it. A valuable addition to your collection!"