Da Natureza das Coisas

Choro, the popular urban music that originated in Rio de Janeiro in the 19th century, translates into English as ‘lament.’ Ironically, in the hands of the dapper mandolinist and choro authority Danilo Brito, it is one of the sweetest and most uplifting sounds imaginable, redolent of long carefree days spent on Copacabana beach. A mix of Portuguese influences and African rhythms, choro has come to be regarded as one of the definitive cultural styles of Brazil.

Still just 35 year old, Brito, who hails from São Paulo, already has a substantial body of work to his name and a repertoire that spans over a century of his nation's music. This fine album is book-ended by versions of two important works by Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos, who often paid tribute to choro music in his own compositions. That said, some of the most engaging music on this collection is composed by Brito himself, such as the bright and cheerful ‘São Paraibaiano’ dedicated to his parents’ hometowns, and the title-track, a short bittersweet contemplation on ‘the nature of things.’ The mandolin always takes centre stage here but is ably accompanied by some fancy pandeiro (hand frame drum) and cavaquinho (four-stringed guitar) playing. The only thing to lament about this album is its short length – but it's still 35 minutes of joyous South American sunshine.