Back in Brazil

Back in Brazil
Label: Ether
Length: LP
Rated: NONE
Media: CD
Format: Album
WorkNameSort: Back in Brazil
Although travel magazines recently have been overflowing with nonstop coverage of Buenos Aires’ desirability as a destination for snobs-on-a-budget, readers of music publications can’t help but feel that Brazil is the epicenter of South American culture. From a (-nother) resurgence of interest in tropicália to the club popularity of baile funk as well as unclassifiables like Seu Jorge, the eyes of the world are once again on what has long been one of the most musically vibrant countries on the planet. This two-disc compilation from DJ Gilles Peterson, a champion of Brazil’s music via both his DJ sets and radio shows, highlights gems from the past and present. The first disc focuses on the funk and samba-soul of the late ’60s, while the second one demonstrates the wide range of talent operating there now. (This could be the only album where Edu K, Jorge Ben and Bugz in the Attic share real estate â?¦ and it makes sense.) Rarities show up throughout, and though neither disc is a testament to Peterson’s turntable dexterity, they collectively demonstrate a true love for this continually rewarding music scene.

This article appears in Jul 26 – Aug 1, 2006.