Ayú

Making music with their bodies is ‘what really matters,’ assert this mixed-gender 15-strong collective from São Paulo. While there are some thrilling choral moments, such as the key changes in the title-track, it's this fascination with the percussive possibilities of the human frame that really enchant, from the very first notes of the opening ‘Skamenco’.

These globe-trotting Brazilians have been together for over 20 years and no doubt it takes that long to be so in-synch. They have contributed to Pixar film soundtracks and TV adverts for the likes of Nike and Toyota; they have participated in educational programmes and appeared in the closing ceremony of the recent Rio Olympics. On Ayú they collaborate with such heavyweights as the late-lamented Naná Vasconcelos (on ‘Kererê’) and the venerable Hermeto Pascoal (on ‘Lá Na Casa da Madame Eu Vi’). Over an hour's worth of relentless virtuosity, however, can prove almost too much for one helping. Lest you find yourself yearning for some good old-fashioned instruments, bite-size chunks might be the best way to digest this highly accomplished album.