Samba Azul

The back of Samba Azul's self-titled debut reads like the playlist of a particularly nerdy Brazilian music enthusiast, featuring obscure gems from lesser and better-known composers, as well as a few classics. Their tasteful, detailed arrangements of tunes by 1960s and 70s MPB greats, like Edu Lobo's ‘Upa, Neguinho’, sit alongside more contemporary tracks, such as Marisa Monte's ‘Universo Ao Meu Redor’; the latter in particular showcasing singer and pianist Joy Ellis' tasteful phrasing and warm, expressive vocals. Other highlights include an energetic, baião-inflected take on Lobo's ‘Casa Forte’, and the stunning, trippy beauty of Mineiro guitarist-composer Lô Borges' ‘Vento de Maio’, featuring both Ellis and the wonderful Mishka Adams on vocals.

Attempting works by such beloved and revered musicians would be a tall order for musicians in their country of origin, so for those who place great importance upon cultural authenticity, it is ever more impressive that none of the musicians on the album are Brazilian. Featuring a diverse group of musicians from as far afield as Pittsburgh, Lisbon, Manila and Enfield, Samba Azul manage to breathe new life into the work of their idols, paying homage without resorting to clichés, and, importantly, sounding like they're having a lot of fun in the process.