Brazilian Beat

Putumayo's latest instalment of Latin music does not intend to be a definitive collection of new Brazilian music. It is simply the label's usual selection of cheery songs that strive for “broad appeal” (their words), but which this time features a Brazilian twang. By sticking to samba soul and nu bossa tunes they skip past the over– exuberance of funk and samba-reggae, making an album that's consistent and rewarding throughout. At its best it hangs from the coattails of Jorge Ben's never-tiresome grooves: Fino Coletivo offer a more polished version of his feel-good samba; while Brazuca Fina go for a bright arrangement full of electronic swells and clicks that's easily one of the most interesting things on here. Rogê also aims for samba soul but the brass section and close harmonies of ‘A Nega E O Malandro’ are more reminiscent of Earth, Wind & Fire than anything else. The more recent influences of Céu and Bebel Gilberto can be heard on Tita Lima's sensual, layered ‘A Conta Do Samba’ and Tamy's cuica-augmented ‘Samba Na Mão, Eu Tenho’. At its worst the album comes across as academic, as is the case on Monica da Silva's ‘Ai Entao,’ it's somnolent approach making it feel like a parody of bossa nova. Any compilation that aims for broad appeal will always face some criticism but by choosing many relatively unknown artists and a wise selection of new songs, Brazilian Beat has turned out to be a thoroughly decent introduction to the more recent sounds of Brazilian music.