Brazil Primitivo Vol 1: Rhythms, Legends and Styles (1899-1963)

Although so shocking that it initially appears to be some sort of bad-taste parody, this blackface disaster is truly the cover of a compilation of Brazilian music called Brazil Primitivo; a title for which readers will probably not need the help of Google Translate. Released by Madrid-based Sound Miracle Recordings, whose self-described mission is to ‘rescue unknown music,’ this collection aims to enlighten the uneducated, bossa nova-loving masses and introduce them to the ‘crude,’ ‘raw’ and ‘primitive’ sounds of Brazil. As if those adjectives weren't disrespectful enough, their confusing, arrogant press release reveals their colonial attitudes to be not only offensive but deeply uninformed.

Pixinguinha is described as a ‘neglected genius’; the same beloved carioca saxophonist and composer who happens to have his own commemorative statue in central Rio de Janeiro. Skimming through the tracklist, one must wonder if anyone with a passing knowledge of Brazilian music would consider such canonical classics as Luiz Gonzaga's ode to the north-eastern sertão region ‘Asa Branca’, or Jacob do Bandolim's famous choro ‘Noites Cariocas’ to be ‘forgotten and overlooked.’ Regardless, their mission has failed; this is indeed such a rare collection that several of the recordings have long been available on Spotify.