Customer Reviews

Na Pista, Etc.

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

 

 

This is a curious album of rerecordings and remixes of some of Djavan's most popular songs, an album that seems to be garnering relatively modest attention, even in Brazil. Maybe listeners just don't quite know what to make of it. The techno touches work most of the time, but still it is difficult to figure what the intent is here or why Djavan thinks this is a good way to spend his creative energy. His music doesn't really need the sort of embellishments that it receives here. Yet, that being said, for the most part this is a very listenable "update" of some of his best work, with many of the songs being more dancehall friendly than they were in their original versions. Purists may wish to take a pass on this one, but for most of the rest of us there is much here to like. For people unfamiliar with his work, this CD may be a bit misleading, but the songs are so impressive to begin with that Djavan's strengths as a composer and arranger remain strongly in evidence even among most of the more radically remixed pieces. For those people familiar with his work, this CD may seem far from essential and may take some time to get used to, but it is well worth the effort, if only to hear Djavan's willingness to experiment successfully with some of his best work.

The reviewer above mentioned:

"Purists may wish to take a pass on this one" and yes, if one has been a fan of Djavan for years and is used to his past recordings this will come as a shock.

HOWEVER.... as a professional musician involved in Brasilian and Cuban music over 30 years and a 20+ year fan of Djavan .... I must say this is one KILLER FUNKY GROOVE one right after the other!!! Yes, "Electro" but just the right amount/mix.

Djavan has always been "Funky" in his unique style, as a singer, guitarist, composer, poet.... but this project is great! If you don't get up and move your azz to this CD.... you may be brain dead. Great for a club, or a house party! He does re-worked versions of several tunes from his early Flor "Da Lis"

recording that are AWESOME! His singing, guitar playing and the arrangments are CREATIVE, UNIQUE and..... real "Djavan Electro funk"

As a musician, I listen to and play many varied types of music... even though my love and forté are Cuban and Brasilian. (I'm listening to a 1950's 'Anita O'Day' CD right now)

***Do not approach this EXCELLENT project with a musically closed mind.... if you listen to this on an MP3 player... and are on a bus or a train.... people will look at you "GROOVING OUT"!!!!

So be warned. ;)~

(I use a Creative ZEN Vision M, which makes ANY IPOD LOOK AND SOUND SICK!)

***If you love Djavn..... DON'T PASS THIS UP!!!

(Get it from Caiman, as they have the best price, and are the fastest shipper on the net.... LIGHTENING FAST!)