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ONE WAY Recommends [Issue
#13]
Paula Morelenbaum By
Ken Micallef
Berimbaum
(CD
Universal)
An
enchanted land of bubbling sounds, corruption, and poverty, Brazil
maintains its global musical identity as a major player of higher
musical aspirations. Beyond Jobim, Gilberto, and Caetano Veloso,
another important musician has contributed much to the native Carioca,
or local culture. Poet, musician, and lyricist Vinicius de Moraes
co-wrote such famous bossa nova songs as “Insensatez”
and “Amor em Paz,” songs mostly popularized by Jobim.
De Moraes is a standard bearer who has inspired promising Brazilian
musicians of every ilk from the ‘60s to present day. With Berimbaum,
vocalist Paula Morelenbaum approaches de Moraes’ song cycle
with wit and respect, her velvet voice and spirited energy infusing
each song with an irresistible glow. Berimbaum is one of the best
Brazilian albums of the year, similar to Bebel Gilberto’s Tanto
Tempo, but surpassing it for production, compositions, and vocal
power. Co-producing with Bossacucanova, Celso Fonseca, and Leo Gandelman,
Morelenbaum dollops freaky samples over acoustic instruments. But
the style never outweighs the substance of Vinicius de Moraes’
songs nor lessens their legenedary power.
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