Customer Reviews

Bonfires of Sao Joao

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This disc defies category. Listen to he samples and you'll see what I mean. The style is it's own style, a rowdy chaotic, at times melodic mix of earthy jams that challenge you to be down in the dumps. After listening to these tracks it is impossible to be down and out or depressed. Great music for forgetting your troubles, those of the world, the ecomomy, the battle between good and evil and all of it's repercussions. This is mardi gras with all it's colorful vibe but in different hues just like the cover of the disc. Some outstanding tracks(but not limited to) are the bizzare " I Wish" which features Talking Head frontman More Songs About Buildings and Food David Byrne sounding like a deranged cowboy pastor, "Wandering Swallow" that features the soothing voice of Bebel Gilberto Tanto Tempo singing in English behind lush rhythms,"Cajuina" that is a pure instrumental jam that sounds like music you'd hear on some exotic beach,you know, where everyone is dancing barefoot, which is full of sweet guitar lead by a melllow sax, the over extended (9:24) "Lampiao No Ceu" that is set a blaze by a wild flute and exotic rhythms and the super mellow "Riacho Da Navio" that features vocals that can best be described as something you'd here in a zydeco band. This is party music when you want something different in the mix to get people stimulated. Recommended for lovers of world music and party lovers.

I heard an excerpt of this on NPR and was happy to send away and purchase it without having heard much. I lived in Brazil many years ago, and have fond memories of a wide variety of music from the country and so was very open to this band (in fact they have a little of the sound of an old favorite, Almondegas). When I listened to the whole CD - which I have done about 4 or 5 times now I was dismayed... the opening tracks are, I think, a little bit weak, but, when David Byrne sings his first of two songs, the CD really loses pace. He doesn't sing well (nasally twang not suitable for this type of sound) and his contribution is jarring and disruptive to the overall flow of the CD. The second half of the CD is more consistent and interesting, musically - and the guest vocalists charm, UNTIL David makes appearance number 2 - in truth, he is rhythmically more on with the second song he sings, but when he sings his "f**kin smile" line - it just does not fit here and is ugly. This is sincere, fun and warm music - his lyric (it seems clearly improvised) is even more disruptive and abrasive - this isn't post-modernist/ironic music ala Talking Heads or, perhaps, Luna. The CD finishes out quite well - it is just a huge pity that David Byrne sings two songs on it, songs that disrupt the flow of the music, making it disjointed and not of a piece. Whose idea was this? Perhaps Mr. Byrne's influence was helpful from a production or marketing standpoint, it is just a pity that he lends his caterwauling, nasal sound to a CD in which it does not fit. Hopefully, on their next recording the band will exclude voices (even if they are of "stars") that do not suit the band's sound. This isn't a great CD, in fact, with Mr. Byrne's contribution I am tempted to give it 3 stars, but I still think it is worth buying and listening to, for the 4 or 5 songs that are really charming.

I have been searching for a new band. By new I mean amazing, not known by the entire world (yet; and I stress yet), basically a band I can adore. I believe I have found this in Forro in the Dark. I hope they start touring soon so I can rock out to their amazing sounds.

Peace,

Debra