Without over doing it, Mestre Brasilia rescues Capoeira music from its inherent monotony and proves that corridos can stand on their own outside the roda, with slight melodic interventions of course. Throughout the CD non-Capoeira sounds are subtly juxtaposed with traditional instrumentation. The flute weaves delicate, yet intricate harmonies around the berimbaus and the beautifully arranged choruses. It harkens back to the cool bossa nova era in Brazilian jazz and creates an atmosphere that hints at nature, especially the Amazon, and freedom. This latest release is a celebration of life and Capoeira, a reminder to us jogadores that they’re one and the same – não é brincadera. Life is serious, but it doesn’t have to be dull, precisely the message Mestre Brasilia wants to convey through his music. With the exception of the first and third tracks, the rest of the CD is upbeat, feel-good music, full of hope. In “Meu mestre meu amigo” Mestre Brasilia sings how a friendship with Mestre Canjiquinha, his mestre, led him to discover Capoeira and how in turn Capoeira taught him how to love. On the last track Mestre Brasilia ends his exploration of Brazil’s musical landscape with an ode to his nation’s coffee: “Pelo o mundo enteiro é o melhor que há.” Now how’s that for going beyond the roda. Here’s to life.

Lissette Corsa

Tracks
1. Tem do bom tem do ruim
2. Batismo
3. Berimbau Comanda o jogo
4. Meu Mestre meu amigo
5. É mau uso do saber
6. O melhor é lutar e vencer
7. Pout-pourri
8. Jogo em qualquer lugar
9. Ginga, defesa e ataque
10. Café de sinhá