Bonfires of Sao Joao

Forro in the Dark | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 7, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Nublu Records
• ASIN: B000IFQLQE
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,187 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #26 in Music > Dance & DJ > World Dance
  • #43 in Music > World Music > Latin Music > Brazilian
  • #76 in Music > World Music > South & Central America

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Afro Brazilian Zydeco party, March 6, 2007

By 

JG "wordmule" (...onward....thru the fog!) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bonfires of Sao Joao (Audio CD)

David Byrne wrote an article in the New York Times a few years ago which he titled "Why I hate World Music". The gist of the article, as I recall, was that "World Music" is just hopelessly inadequate to describe all the different genres that are lumped in with the term.

Not long ago, he described this album as a Brazilian Zydeco of sorts. But "Brazilian Zydeco" is woefully inadequate to describe the genre, if there is a genre, that this album fits into. To be sure, there are some zydeco references (or are there Forro references in Zydeco?), and maybe it goes without saying that the record has mostly an Afro Brazilian feel. I'm sure my own category as described in the caption of this review is inadequate too.

At any rate, one of the many cool things about Brazilian music is how big name musicians will play on each others' records, record each others' songs, and show up unexpectedly and play live with one another. There's some of that going on here, with giants like Bebel Gilberto helping out, not to mention Mr. Byrne his own big bad self. With his inimitable voice, he gives the Brazilian standard "Asa Branca" a brand new feel, sung in English.

As to the leader of the band, Mauro Refosco has played just about every percussion instrument known to man, and probably a few more, over the years. For Byrne fans, Mauro is the bug eyed guy with the big grin on his face you've seen on stage on Byrne's last few tours, beating the living crap out of everything in sight. Smokey Hormel, of Beck fame, handles the bass and some guitars on Forro in the Dark.

All in all, a great party record. I suspect its intoxicating sounds will be emanating near backyard swimming pools and beach bars from Atlanta to Ipanema to Marbella beginning this summer and for years to come.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Forro wonder in Nublu, December 8, 2006

By 

O. Yuce (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bonfires of Sao Joao (Audio CD)

This is a very colorful album. There are melodies that you can whistle to, playful harmonies and all feels unbounded and flexible especially in their live performance Nublu bar, wednesday nights. They have great musicians joining them and you can never guess who'll be there. It really worths checking it out.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must For Your Collection, December 25, 2006

By 

Garry - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bonfires of Sao Joao (Audio CD)

If you are not familiar with the Forro style of music, this is a great introduction and is very accessible. There are several instrumental songs that create interesting movie-like effects and moods ranging from fast-paced chase scenes to mysterious investigations. The songs with vocals are performed by the band members themselves as well as a number of guest performers singing in several languages. Notably, David Byrne sings two songs (in English), including the title track. There is no language barrier to worry about - the songs and the vocalists convey the humour, melancholy, and overall spirit of each song beautifully. For something a little different than what you may usually listen to, for the excellent musicianship, and for the unique mix of songs and styles, I highly recommend this CD.