Curyman

A cursory listen to these 11 tracks suggests a lost classic from the golden age of Música Popular Brasileira. But delve a little deeper and you discover that producer Thomas Brenneck is the Budos Band's guitarist and thus linked to Daptone Records… specialists in authentic retro sounds. Late of Rio de Janeiro (and co-composer of Brazil's 2016 Olympics theme song), the artist – Roger José Cury – now lives in Los Angeles, where he hooked up with Brenneck for this, his sixth album – and the first on the producer's new Diamond West label. With Arthur Verocai recruited for string arrangements, the result is indeed retro, but unquestionably authentic. Sung in Rogê's distinctive raspy vocal style that occasionally suggests Seu Jorge, played with an emphasis on vigorous acoustic guitar, and often backed with a female chorus, the soulful songs are samba-funky and strong in melody.

The flute and hand drums of ‘Camará’ and the quiet drama of ‘Mistério da Raça’ are reminiscent of Milton Nascimento in his pomp, while ‘Existe Uma Voz’ smacks strongly of Jorge Ben and Gilberto Gil. Make no mistake, however, Rogê is very much his own man; he has created an original, contemporary album brimming with memorable songs and sumptuous arrangements.