Brazuca Sounds

Leandro Vignoli

A podcast about Brazilian music of all styles, decades, and genres hosted by Leandro Vignoli. Follow updates on Instagram: @brazucasounds. Access our playlist Soundtrack Brazuca Sounds with all songs ever played on the show:

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27 episodes
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English

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Wednesday · 3 min
BONUS EP. (Gonzaguinha - O que é O que é?)
Salve! This is a preview of our bonus episode exclusive to paid subscribers on Patreon! Every episode is a different song. This is the song today: "O que é O que é?", written and performed by Gonzaguinha. --- Released in 1982, “O Que É, O Que É?” is one of Brazil’s most famous Carnival anthems. And yet, remarkably, the song wasn’t written for Carnival. Built around pounding percussion, call-and-response vocals and an infectious chorus, it borrows the language of Rio’s samba-school parades to deliver a powerful message of optimism: to live without being ashamed of being happy. The song grew out of a collective research project in which Gonzaguinha asked people a simple question: what is life? One child’s answer reportedly inspired its central refrain: “it’s beautiful.” There’s also a political dimension. Gonzaguinha had been one of the dictatorship’s most heavily censored artists, and by 1982, Brazil’s military regime was weakening. As the country moved toward the mass pro-democracy movement Diretas Já, this song became an affirmation of hope, freedom, and the courage to celebrate life.
October 22 · 50 min
Brazuca Sounds #98 - Brazilian 7 inches and EPs (Compactos)
In Brazuca Sounds #98, we dive into the fascinating world of Brazilian 7-inch records from the 1960s and 1970s! From obscure psychedelic rock and experimental MPB to samba-rock, soul, and funky grooves, we explore a treasure trove of rare singles (compactos) and EPs (compactos duplos) that never made it onto full-length albums. FEATURING IN THIS EPISODE: Compactos duplos (EPs) 1. Quarteto Nova Era – S/T (1969) 2. Piti – Piti (1970) 3. Paulo, Cláudio e Maurício – Paulo, Cláudio e Maurício (1972) 4. Concerto Baiano – Escamblefado (1974) 5. Papa Poluição – Papa Poluição (1976) 6. Gilberto Gil – Compacto duplo (1963) 7. Jards Macalé – Só Morto [Burning Night] (1970) 8. Gal Costa – Gal (1971) 9. Joyce – Nada Será Como Antes (1971) 10. O Terço – O Terço (1970) Compactos simples (singles) 1. Suely e os Kantikus – Esperanto 2. Wal Santana – Que Vida É Essa (1973) 3. Neno Exporta Som – Deixa a Tristeza (1971) 4. Noel Carlos – Você É Quase Igual à Jane Fonda (1970) 5. Carlos Thiago – Galbecae / Cabiceira (1972) 6. João Maringá – Morcego (1973) 7. Luiz Keller – Andarilho (1974) 8. Brenda - Natureza Viva (1980) Every song we ever played on this podcast: Brazuca Sounds Soundtrack. Subscribe to our Patreon and get access to monthly exclusive playlists, including Brazuca Tapes #30, with a expanded selection of 7 inches compactos and EPs.
October 15 · 3 min
BONUS EP. (Chico Buarque - Morro Dois Irmãos)
Salve! This is a preview of our bonus episode for paid subscribers! Every episode is a different song. This is the song today: "Morro Dois Irmãos", written and performed by Chico Buarque. ---- Morro Dois Irmãos, or Two Brothers Hill, is one of Rio de Janeiro's most iconic landmarks, located between Leblon and São Conrado. It takes its name from its distinctive shape: two enormous rocky peaks standing side by side. But instead of simply describing the mountain, he turns it into music. The song's heart lies in the juxtaposition of two different conceptions. Music, which normally moves through movement, becomes still, while the mountain, which we perceive as motionless, begins to move. That's the paradox at the song's central idea. The original recording also carries the unmistakable sound of late-1980s production, with lush keyboards adding a distinctly atmospheric, almost cinematic quality to the arrangement. Steve Smith from Translationsmith translated the lyrics again. Check it out!
October 6 · 2 min
BONUS EP. (Nelson Ângelo e Joyce - Tiro Cruzado)
Salve! This is a trailer for our bonus episode, exclusive to paid subscribers! Every episode is a different song. This is the song today: "Tiro Cruzado" (Ângelo/Borges), performed by Nelson Ângelo and Joyce. A fascinating prequel to Clube da Esquina, “Tiro Cruzado” captures the sound of a musical world that was still taking shape. Ângelo’s guitar anchors an angular, tense harmony, while Tenório Jr.’s electric piano, Danilo Caymmi’s flutes, Novelli’s bass and Rubinho’s percussion create a restless, almost psychedelic samba. The song would also find its way into Tom Jobim’s repertoire years later, a remarkable endorsement of its beauty and sophistication. In this bonus episode, we explore the story behind “Tiro Cruzado,” its connection to the emerging Clube da Esquina circle, and the musical language that made it so distinctive. It’s also a chance to celebrate Nelson Ângelo, one of Brazilian music’s most inventive and underrated musicians. Here is the translation of these lyrics by our friends at Translationsmith.
September 28 · 50 min
Brazuca Sounds #97: Tom Zé - Estudando o Samba [1976]
In episode #97, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Estudando o Samba. Released in 1976, Estudando o Samba may be Tom Zé’s ultimate concept album: a record that treats samba not as a fixed tradition, but as something to dismantle, investigate, and rebuild. Across its deliberately short-titled songs, he moves from samba-canção to bossa nova, avant-garde composition, microtonality and even homemade instruments, constantly blurring the line between popular and experimental music. In this episode, we go track by track through the album, exploring its compositions and songwriting, the origins and backstories of the songs, its unusual arrangements and recording techniques, and the ideas hidden behind Tom Zé’s experiments. We also look at the album’s initial rejection, its rediscovery by David Byrne, and how Estudando o Samba became one of the most inventive and influential Brazilian records of its era. Check Translationsmith for the translation of many songs from the album. Follow our playlist ⁠Brazuca Sounds Soundtrack.
September 8 · 2 min
BONUS EP. (Waldir Azevedo - Brasileirinho)
Salve! This is a bonus episode exclusive to paid subscribers! Every episode is a different song. This is the song today: "Brasileirinho", written and performed by Waldir Azevedo. --- First released in 1949, "Brasileirinho" is a celebrated instrumental with a lively melody and virtuosic style that helped popularize the cavaquinho and introduced chorinho to a bigger audience. In this episode, we explore the song's origins, musical brilliance, and lasting influence on Brazilian culture. Waldir Azevedo revolutionized the cavaquinho by transforming it from mainly an accompanying instrument into a powerful solo voice in choro. He developed a virtuosic style that expanded the instrument’s technical possibilities, and his first-ever recorded song, "Brasileirinho", remains one of the most iconic and frequently performed pieces in Brazil's instrumental repertoire.
August 28 · 2 min
BONUS EP. (The History of Partido Alto)
Salve! This is a preview of our bonus episode exclusive for paid subscribers! Every episode is a different song. This is the song today: "Partido Alto", written by Chico Buarque/ performed by MPB4 ---Today, we take a deep dive into the history of Partido Alto, a subgenre of samba. The style emerged in the 1940s as an improvised form, featuring improvised lyrics in which two singers engaged in a lyrical battle, accompanied by handmade percussion instruments such as knives and plates, with roots in the batucada tradition of Bahia. The genre took off in the 1970s, with artists such as Candeia, who appeared in the documentary Partido Alto, directed by Leon Hirszman, which offers insights from traditional samba figures. We also talked about a couple of songs written based on Partido Alto, such as "Partido Alto", written by Chico Buarque for the soundtrack of the film "Quando o carnaval chegar", performed by the vocal group MPB4. Another famous song about Partido Alto was written by bossa-jazz masters Azymuth (1979), later covered by Airton Moreira.
August 18 · 47 min
Brazuca Sounds #96 - The Best Albums of 1976
In episode #96, we will continue our celebration of albums released 50 years ago. It was another great year for Brazilian music, with important albums such as Cartola's second album, Jorge Ben's Africa Brasil, Elis Regina's Falso Brilhante, and Tom Zé's Estudando o Samba, and more. In this episode, we will discuss some of the underrated albums of 1976. Among the records are: José Mauro - A Viagem das Horas; Taiguara - Imyra Tayra Ipy; Fagner - Raimundo Fagner; Luiz Henrique - Mestiço; Burnier e Cartier - Fotos p/ Capa do LP; Eduardo Araújo & Silvinha - Filhos desse Chão; Joelho de Porco - São Paulo 1554/Hoje; and the debut and only album released by the groups Mandala and Pão com Manteiga. For an exclusive playlist featuring all the albums released in 1976, subscribe for free on Patreon. All other songs are available in our Spotify playlist "⁠Soundtrack: Brazuca Sounds". You may also like these other episodes: #84 - Debut Samba Albums of 1975 #73 - The Underrated Albums of 1974 #58 - The Underrated Album of 1973 #42 - The Best Albums of 1972 #23 - The Best Albums of 1971
August 11 · 2 min
BONUS EP. (Luiz Melodia - Juventude Transviada)
Salve! This is a trailer for the bonus episode exclusive for paid subscribers! Every episode is a different song. This is the song today: "Juventude Transviada", by Luiz Melodia --- “Juventude Transviada” captures the marginalized urban youth as they navigate Rio de Janeiro’s social tensions. The song blends samba, rock, and soul influences, reflecting Melodia’s unique style. Its lyrics reference James Dean's Rebel Without a Cause (released as Juventude Transviada in Brazil), portraying rebellion not as glamour but as a response to exclusion, poverty, and lack of opportunity. It became one of Brazil's biggest hits of 1976 after its inclusion on the soundtrack of the soap opera Pecado Capital. Check out the translation of Juventude Transviada, provided by Translationsmith.
July 30 · 2 min
BONUS EP. (João Bosco - A Nível de...)
Salve! This is a preview of our latest bonus episode for paid subscribers on Patreon! Every episode is a different song. This is the song today: "A Nível de...", by João Bosco (Bosco/Blanc) We're celebrating the 80th birthday of João Bosco, born on July 13th, 1946, in Ponte Nova, Minas Gerais. "A Nível de..." is my favourite Bosco song, released on his ninth album, Comissão de Frente, with lyrics by Aldir Blanc, using humor and irony to address the frustrated attempts of two couples to resolve their marital problems. The song pioneered more open discussion of sexuality, and to top it off, Bosco presents his instantly recognizable signature guitar as if it combined percussion, bass, and melody into a single instrument. While Bosco crafted highly inventive melodies and harmonies, Aldir Blanc crafted lyrics filled with characters, irony, and social commentary. Check out the translation provided by Translationsmith.
July 21 · 48 min
Brazuca Sounds #95: Moacir Santos - Coisas [1965]
In episode #95, we celebrate the centennial birthday of maestro Moacir Santos. Born on July 26th, 1926, in Flores de Pajeú, Pernambuco, he arrived in Rio de Janeiro at the age of 22 to work at Rádio Nacional and study music with conductors such as Guerra-Peixe and Claudio Santoro. He became a mentor himself, and amongst his pupils are the likes of Baden Powell, João Donato, and Sérgio Mendes. Powell was the first to record Santos' themes named after "things", with Coisa N°1 and Coisa N°2 on his 1963 album. It was long after he also started composing for films, such as "Ganga Zumba". This episode takes a deep dive into the story behind the recording sessions of Coisas, Moacir Santos’ 1965 masterpiece released on the Forma label. Recorded over three consecutive days at RCA Victor Studios in Rio de Janeiro, the album brought together two distinct ensembles. These groups alternated deliberately between more intimate, chamber-like arrangements and expansive, big band–inspired formations. Although Coisas is entirely instrumental, several compositions later received lyrics. One notable example is “Coisa N°5,” also known as “Nanã,” which was co-written with Mario Telles. Check Translationsmith for the translation of many songs from the album. Follow our playlist ⁠Brazuca Sounds Soundtrack.
July 14 · 2 min
BONUS EP. (Milton Nascimento - Maria Maria)
Salve! This is a preview of our bonus episode exclusive for paid subscribers! Every episode is a different song. This is the song today: "Maria Maria", by Milton Nascimento (Nascimento/Brant) --- Nascimento was 36 years old, with 10 studio albums, an international career, and a collaboration with Wayne Shorter behind him. Yet it wasn't until then that he released what would become his most famous song. "Maria, Maria" appears on Clube da Esquina 2 as the second track on side D of the double album, and against all odds, it became the album's biggest hit. Originally written for a musical about slavery, the piece had no lyrics at first—only Nascimento's voice. The words were later written by Clube da Esquina collaborator Fernando Brant, inspired by the true story of a woman who lived by the railroad tracks in the town where he grew up. "Maria, Maria" is structured like a classic folk song, but instead of the traditional verse-chorus-verse format, it follows a verse-verse-chorus-chorus pattern. The song became even more famous through Elis Regina's recording, and Nascimento later recorded it again for his live album A Barca dos Amantes, featuring Wayne Shorter. Check out the translation of this beautiful song, provided by Translationsmith.
June 30 · 3 min
BONUS EP. (José Mauro - Rua Dois)
José Mauro was a singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Rio de Janeiro who recorded all of his music in a single session in 1970. That resulted in his debut album "Obnoxius", under Roberto Quartin's record label, and a second album, "A Viagem das Horas", released six years later, with the leftover songs. "Rua Dois" is from this second LP, reissued in 2021 by Far Out Recordings, a beautiful folk, jazzy, psychedelic journey that sounds as much like a tropical version of Serge Gainsbourg as it does a foggy Gerlando Vandré. A prodigy guitar student of Baden Powell, and doted on for an anti-bossa approach, in this episode we'll talk about José Mauro's enigmatic career, why he disappeared, and when he was rediscovered, his collaboration with writer/journalist Ana Maria Bahia, who wrote all of his lyrics. Check the translation of this beautiful song provided by Translationsmith.
June 18 · 43 min
Brazuca Sounds #94: The Sublime Voice of Maria Bethânia
In episode #93, we are celebrating the Queen Bee of Brazilian music, Maria Bethânia. She has released 50 studio albums and is among the 10 best-selling music artists in Brazil, having sold more than 26 million copies. Born on June 18th, 1946, in Santo Amaro, Bahia, we honour her 80th birthday with a song-by-song analysis of her album "Pássaro Proibido" (1976). This was the first album to expand her from cultural elite to mainstream, ignited by an AM radio phenomenon of "Olhos nos Olhos" written by Chico Buarque. We also talked about her introduction to the scene, by replacing Nara Leão in a musical with a voracious performance of "Carcará", and her notorious collaboration with her older brother, Caetano Veloso. We also put together a playlist with 50 of her best songs, one for every year of her career! Check Translationsmith for the translation of many songs from the album. Follow our playlist ⁠Brazuca Sounds Soundtrack.
June 11 · 2 min
BONUS EP. (Toquinho - "Que Maravilha")
This is the preview for a bonus episode for paid subscribers! Every episode is a different song. This is the song today: "Que Maravilha", written and performed by Toquinho, featuring Jorge Ben This episode celebrates the 80th birthday of Toquinho, born Antonio Bondeolli Pecci. He started his career as a virtuoso bossa-nova guitarist, but that changed when he met Chico Buarque in Italy, and later Jorge Ben in his hometown São Paulo, and became a prolific songwriter. "Que Maravilha" (and its B-side "Carolina Carol Bela") were written for a Tropicalia TV show, Divino, Maravilhoso, in 1969, and later released as a single. Both songs are about the same girl (Carolina, there is), who had a brief romantic relationship to Toquinho. A fusion of samba, tropicalia, and sambalanço, "Que Maravilha" became one of the most successful Brazilian songs of all time. We talked about how the song was written, its melody, lyrics, and how it connects to "Carolina Carol Bela".
May 19 · 2 min
BONUS EP. (Tom Jobim - Lígia)
Salve! This is the preview of our bonus episode exclusive for paid subscribers! Every episode is a different song. This is the song today: "Lígia" (Jobim/Buarque), performed by Tom Jobim Tom Jobim wrote this song based on a real story about a girl he met in a bar in Rio de Janeiro, who turned out to be his daughter's teacher. They were never in a relationship, but this song reflects the possibility of one, with two different interpretations or endings. One lyric by Tom Jobim was performed by João Gilberto, while the more famous version was written by Chico Buarque, who arguably strengthened the narrative. Tom Jobim recorded this version on his 1976 album Urubu, while Chico recorded it on Sinal Fechado.
May 12 · 44 min
Brazuca Sounds #93: Cartola (1976)
In episode #93, we celebrate 50 years of Cartola's second album, released in 1976 by the record label Marcus Pereira Discus. Nearly 50 years into his career, Cartola released his debut featuring many of his early sambas and chorinhos. This follow-up is completed with songs written exclusively for this album, such as "As Rosas Não Rosam", arguably his most popular song. Among other famous iconic samba standards are "O Mundo é um Moinho" and "Preciso me Encontrar" (written by another amba legend, Candeia). Although with a very similar approach to his debut album, this 1976 sophomore album is definitely a step forward that finally gave Cartola the stardom he deserved. Check our episode about his debut album, Cartola (1974). Check our episode History of Samba in 10 Albums. Check Translationsmith for the translation of many songs from the album. Follow our playlist ⁠Brazuca Sounds Soundtrack.
April 29 · 2 min
BONUS EP. ( Dolores Duran - A Noite do Meu Bem)
Salve! This is a preview of our latest bonus episode exclusive for paid subscribers! Every episode is a different song. This is the song today: "A Noite do Meu Bem", written and performed by Dolores Duran Dolores Duran is one of the most important figures in Brazilian music. She wasn’t just a crooner or a performer, but was also a prolific lyricist, including words written for Tom Jobim. "A Noite do Meu Bem" is probably Duran’s biggest hit, with all the lyrics and music written by her, just a few weeks before her passing. That matters greatly because, at the time, very few women had the space or recognition to write. Dolores Duran carved out that role for herself with remarkable talent and presence before tragically dying while sleeping at the age of 29. "A Noite do Meu Bem" was voted one of the 100 Best Brazilian Songs of All Time according to Rolling Stone Brasil. Check for the song's full translation at The Anvil, by Translationsmith.
April 15 · 49 min
Brazuca Sounds #92: A Trip to Brazil in 100 Songs (Part 4)
In episode #92, we will feature the last 25 songs that mention Brazilian places in their lyrics. This time we traveled all over Brazil with a contemporary approach, and music produced in the 1980s, 1990s, and until now. Among the artists featured are heavyweights such as Marcos Valle, Emílio Santiago, Moraes Moreira, and present-day greats like Criolo, Racionais MCs, and Ed Motta. We finished this episode uncovering the 4,175.72 km extension of land from the Northernmost part, with Nazaré Pereira, singing about her homeland of Pará and the Marajó Island, to the South region where Brazil meets Uruguay. Check the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Translationsmith ⁠⁠⁠⁠for lyrics! A Trip to Brazil in 100 Songs: ⁠PART 1⁠; and ⁠PART 2⁠; and PART 3. Listen to our playlist ⁠'A Trip to Brazil' ⁠on Spotify. Follow our playlist ⁠Brazuca Sounds Soundtrac⁠k on Spotify.
April 8 · 2 min
BONUS EP. (Waltel Branco - Meu Balanço)
Salve! This is a preview of a bonus episode exclusive for paid subscribers! Every episode is a different song. This is the song today: "Meu Balanço", written and performed by Waltel Branco Branco was a conductor, arranger, and classical guitarist who worked with Henry Mancini in the USA and became a household composer of soundtracks to soap operas in Brazil. One of the pioneers of Brazilian funk and soul, he arranged songs for Tim Maia, Toni Tornado, Hyldon, Marcos Valle, and countless more. In 1975, with the studio hours left for a different project, he recorded his iconic instrumental album "Meu Balanço", immersed in groovy bass, funky beats, brass, and fuzzy guitars. In this bonus episode, we spoke about the backstory behind the album and its most significant track, and how Branco is one of the unrecognized masters of Brazilian music.

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