No doubt about it– Brazil is a musically gifted country, offering up a seemingly endless roster of talented performers. It’s a process that began with names like Noel Rosa, Carmen Miranda and Ary Barroso in the Golden Age, then through Bossa Nova, Tropicália and MPB and its showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Singer Emilio Santiago holds a unique position in this tropical mix. His crooning style is unmatched in Brazil’s modern-day sound, but never out of place: his warm baritone is a silky smooth combination of names that span generations like Sinatra, Nat ‘King’ Cole, or Brazil’s Dick Farney. Or contemporary crooners like Michael Bublé and Harry Connick Jr.
Divining this style is one thing, but its more than that – when matched with the right songs, this Brazilian can draw an elegant breath to create magic out of thin air.
‘So Danço Samba’ (‘I Only Dance Samba’) is his latest. It’s a 14 track collection of early songs that honor Brazilian pioneer Ed Lincoln, and the debut release on Santiago’s own music label. Each is complimented by the Santiago touch with a style that can swing lightly from phrase to phrase, drawing even the most casual listener to the melody.
Here’s an album that creates its simple charm from one song to the next, making each is a showcase onto itself. And even the most studied Brasilophile would be forgiven for not knowing all of these Brazilian gems; It’s said that every song was handpicked by Santiago and deserving of a second turn in the spotlight. Highlights include ‘Confissão’, ‘Influênca do Jazz’, ‘Pra Que’, ‘Sambou Sambou’, ‘Chega’, ‘Nunca Mais’, and ‘Olhou Pra Mim’.
Marcos Valle’s ‘Samba de Verão’ (‘Summer Samba’) became a popular hit for Sergio Mendes, Astrud Gilberto and virtually every jazz and night club singer in town and the title track made it to worldwide fame in 1964, when it was recorded in New York by saxophonist Stan Getz and sung by Joao Gilberto as part of the legendary Bossa Nova album ‘Getz/Gilberto’.
At 64, Santiago has long history of sensational albums. In fact, a list of his most noteworthy recordings would include most of his titles – and that’s rare statement for any performer.
But in Emilio Santiago’s case, it’s true. Seldom has Brazil – or anywhere else, for that matter – presented the world with such an elegant combination of charismatic poise and musical charm.
This album is a Connectbrazil.com exclusive – not available in the US as an import or for digital download.
