Now Sound of Brazil 2
One of the best chroniclers of modern Brazilian music, the hip Ziriguiboom label has discovered such diverse and talented artists as Bebel Gilberto, Zuco 103 and Apollo Nove, providing a stamp of quality on every album it issues. Here it partners once again with the like-minded American label Six Degrees, who issuesThe Now Sounds Of Brazil 2domestically as part of its Travel Series. Featuring seven of the label's artists doing two songs apiece, this collection presents new versions of Brazil's laid-back and sexy bossa nova while updating it ­ either by adding modern electro sounds to the tradition (DJ Dolores, Bossacucanova) or creating great new bossa nova songs (Celso Fonseca, Cibelle) that hold up well next to the acoustic classics. Ten of the 14 songs are previously released, but this is nonetheless a great introduction to today's Brazilian music at its best. And folks in the know will certainly dig the exclusive new tracks. ­--Tad Hendrickson