The First Case of the Nordestino Soul Revealed

Music from the Northeast of Brazil today... this culture is known as "Nordestino" in Brazil.

I have seen Northeastern Brazil frequently compared to the Southern US: more rural, more agriculture, less industry, more population with African heritage, and a comparable resentment at being looked down upon by the more cosmopolitan half of their countries. (Important note: Northeast Brazil does not have a comparable history of race politics, Jim Crow, and modern segregation!)

Much like the US South, Northeastern Brazil has been the source for a rich musical tradition with African roots. Most of the "hip" musicians of Northeastern Brazil gravitate to the centers of the Brazilian music industry: Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro in the South. Although some Nordestino soul remains in their music, these musicians are frequently subsumed within the international musical trends that dominate the national scene, such as funk, soul, and hip-hop. What's left in the Northeast is Brazil's "country music" genres, particularly Forro and Carimbo.

I am presenting a roundup of Northeastern musical styles today as I reveal the Nordestino soul. The first hour is dedicated to "pure" statements of Nordestino music in the form of traditional forro and carimbo. The second hour today reviews Nordestino sounds produced in the cosmopolitan South, incorporating elements of funk, jazz, soul, etc while using more sophisticated orchestrations and studio craft.