Cuscuz Cla [Import]

Chico Cesar | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 25, 1998)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Polyg
• ASIN: B00000G7NW
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #676,345 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

With his First Work 'aos Vivos'(1994 - Velas) Chico Cesar Won the Sharp Awards as Regional Revelation and People Like Maria Bethania, Zizi Possi, Elba Ramalho and Daniela Mercury Became Interested in Recording Some of his Songs.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Definitive Album for Chico Cesar, June 11, 2000

By 

R. Anastasio "commuter train rider" (Long Island, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cuscuz Cla (Audio CD)

This, I believe, is the second album for Chico Cesar after his "Ao Vivo" album recorded a year earlier. This studio album was a great success in Brazil when it was released in 1996 and for good reason: the CD has one great song after another. Many of the songs here have been re-released or re-recorded on some of his subsequent albums.

Chico Cesar's musical style is pop rhythms with a strong influence of Brazilian sertanjo ("Northeastern") sound. Also thrown in the mix are Afrobrazilian and reggae themes to round out the musical salad.

Probably the best known track on the album is "A Primeira Vista" which is wonderful romantic song. The song itself become hugely popular when Daniela Mercury's recording of the song was the theme music for "O Rei do Gado" which was a popular soap opera in Brazil. While Daniela's version is full of instrumentation, the original song here is beautiful for its simplicity. What stands out is Chico's voice and his guitar which together create a strong emotional message that really connects. This song is followed on the CD by "Sirimbo" which is great dance song. If you are not at least tapping your hand while listening to this song, you should check your pulse.

The other big hit when it came out was "Mama Africa". The subject of the song is "Mama Africa" who is a poor single working mother. The first line of chorus, "Mama Africa (a minha mae)," is sung with a whiney wail at the end which sounds exactly like a kid crying for his mom. The song portrays a sympathetic view of the plight of probably too many moms in Brazil.

The shortest song on the album is one of my favorites. "Esta" is less than two minutes long and Chico is only accompanied by a guitar. The sound of his voice on this love song as well as on "Isso" is very reminiscent of Caetano Veloso.

The album is a mix of a themes which range from making socio-political statements (like on "Dá Licenca M") to just creating pure fun song like "You Yuri" which is just a play on words revolving around the names Yuri Popoff and Yuri Gagarin (you get extra points if you actually know who these two people are).

If you like Brazilian MPB music you will not be disappointed with this CD.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great CD, March 2, 2001

By 

Frank (Columbus, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cuscuz Cla (Audio CD)

I spent some time in Sao Paulo and while there this CD was recommended to me. I have no idea what Chico is saying (seems to be socially based) but the the music is great. Not the music I'm accustomed to from South America. It's very unique, contemporary and one of my favorite CD's

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Artist, March 31, 2011

By 

didoban (CA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cuscuz Clă (MP3 Download)

I had the pleasure to see him live once in Sao Paulo. He is a great performer and his music sounds just as good.

His music is usually happy and full of rhythm

Highly recommend this CD and his music in general.