Friday marks the official launch of the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where an array of Brazilian music is expected in the opening ceremonies. While all eyes are on Brazil for the next two weeks, we here at Alt.Latino get to share our own love affair with the country's vast musical heritage. My short conversation with David Greene on NPR's Morning Edition, at the audio link above, is just the tip of the iceberg — of both the music and our coverage.
Longtime listeners have heard new tracks from throughout Brazil sprinkled into our weekly coverage of Latin music. For those who are new to Alt.Latino and Brazilian music, we have collected a few of our past shows that put the spotlight on Brazil.
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Hear More Brazilian Music
Caetano Veloso And Gilberto Gil: Living History
Very rarely do we get to celebrate history with some of the people who made it. But that's exactly the place Jasmine Garsd and I found ourselves when we interviewed legendary musicians Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil. The two iconic Brazilians discussed history and music.
This show originally ran in April 2016.
Saudade: An Untranslatable, Undeniably Potent Word
The Portuguese term — which embodies a particular mix of melancholy, longing and loss — has no direct equivalent in English. But it does find full expression in bittersweet music. It's an essential ingredient in much of Brazilian music.
This show originally ran in February 2014.
Guest DJ Seu Jorge's Musical DNA
The Brazilian singer and actor reveals how his music has been shaped by samba, funk and David Bowie.
This show originally ran in March 2016.
An Explosion Of Music From Brasil Summerfest 2015
If you only think of samba or bossa nova when you think of Brazilian music, think again. In this show, we hear everything from big-band jazz arrangements based on Brazilian percussion to 1970s funk re-imagined. There are even Brazilian traditions being created in New York City itself. It's an incredible collection of music from a diverse and exciting festival.
