This is the first page of artists under the letter "R"
If an artist or album you like is not reviewed here, please feel free
to contact me and make a suggestion.
Raphael Rabello - see artist discography
Rabo De Lagartixa "Rabo De Lagartixa" (Kuarup, 1999)
Rabo De Lagartixa "Quebra-Queixo" (Malandro, 2000)
Raca Negra - see artist discography
Raiz De Pedra "Trajetoria" (Editio Princeps, 1985)
Raiz De Pedra "Ao Vivo Em Porto Alegre" (1988) (LP)
Raiz De Pedra "Diario De Bordo" (Tip Toe, 1996)
With Egberto Gismonti...
Raizes Do Pelo "Raizes Do Pelo" (Paralelo, 1988)
Cool stuff... Like Ile Aye and Olodum, Raizes Do Pelo specialize in the seductive, loping rhythms of the Bahian Afro-Brasilian percussion style. Nice album, filled with familiar tunes from the late '80s scene.
Raizes Do Pelo "Samba Bahiana" (Interra, 1995)
A fine set of Afro-Brasilian percussion, reprising many of the most popular themes in the style... At first listen, the mix here may seem too muted and soft -- where is the thunder? -- but if you give this disc a few good listens, it'll really grow on you. The softer approach really lets some of the complexities and amazing cross-rhythms come through. This disc may now be hard to find, but it's certainly worth looking for... Recommended!
Elba Ramalho - see artist discography
Ze Ramalho - see artist discography
Vitor Ramil "Estrela, Estrela" (Polydor, 1981)
Raulzinho - see De Souza, Raul
Raulzito - see Raul Seixas
Soraya Ravenle with Galo Preto & Nelson Sargento "O Dono Das Calcadas" (2001)
Soraya Ravenle "Arco Do Tempo" (Biscoito Fino, 2011)
Recordando O Vale Das Macas "As Criancas Da Nova Floresta" (GTA, 1977) (LP)
The lone album from this '70s Brazilian prog-rock band...
Recordando O Vale Das Macas "1977-1982" (Musea, 2002)
This is a straight reissue of the 1977 As Criancas Da Nova Floresta album, with a couple of bonus tracks drawn from a recording session in the early '80s.
Clara Redig "...Canta Francis Hime" (CID, 2007)
Red Snakes "Trying To Be Someone" (Equipe, 1970)
(Produced by Oswaldo Cadaxo)
I'm not a huge fan of English-language Brazilian rock albums -- I mean, where's the fun in that? Anyway, this disc has its moments, as well as its moments of tedium. Apparently this hard rock band, led by brothers Ronaldo and Renato Bakker, was one of the top rock groups in late-'60s Rio, but for whatever reason they "went English" when they got a chance to record, complete with half-cute local accents and struggling with their phrasing. There's some strong musicianship, particularly on their Cream-inspired heavy-rock riffs, and I kind of enjoy the softer stuff that's reminiscent of bands such as the Left Banke; less successful are their attempts at Small Faces-ish rock-soul, which get pretty clumsy. And overall? Doesn't do much for me. A groovy historical footnote, but there are other albums that are way more fun.
Mauro Refosco & Vinicius Cantuaria "Seven Waves" (M A Recordings, 1999)
Gentle Braz-jazz from the New York scene. Refosco has worked in David Byrne's band, as well as with John Lurie, who guests on the album along with Vinicius Cantuaria and others; Cantuaria wrote or co-wrote about half the tracks on here. This is mainly instrumental, and a bit too noodly and low-key for my tastes -- seems like NYC's downtown scene has veered towards out-and-out mellowness in the last couple of years... who woulda thunk it? Still, this is a nice, delicate jazz album, and might be just the thing you're looking for...
Elis Regina - see artist discography
Regininha "Regininha" (Polydor, 1970)
(Produced by Nonato Buzar)
Marc Regnier "Radames Gnattali: Solo And Chamber Works For Guitar" (Dorian, 2010)
(Produced by Marina & Victor Ledin)
A lively, sensitive tribute to Brazilian classical pianist/jazz bandleader Radames Gnattali who was a driving force in Brazilian music during the pre-bossa nova era of the 1950s and beyond. As an "erudite" (classical) musician, Gnattali explored his country's Afro-Brazilian heritage, and incorporated popular contemporary styles such as the samba and choro into his work -- this album includes homages to composers such as Chiquinha Gonzaga, Ernesto Nazareth and Pixinguinha who work also crossed the divide between highbrow music and popular song. As a composer and as a performer, Gnattali's style tended towards note-heavy, forceful arrangements which, on piano, often translated as staccato and frantic; presented here on the acoustic guitar, Gnattali's lush, dense compositions take on a gentler tone, revealing more of his romantic and fluid sides. There are still some flights of pure drive and assertiveness, but they are less jarring and sweeter-sounding than many of Gnattali's original recordings -- it's a rich and compelling introduction to one of Brazil's most revered, but less-well remembered major musicians of yesteryear. Definitely worth checking out.
Reinaldo E Seus Convidados "Pagode Pra Valer" (Warner, 1999)
A nice live album of classic, early-style acoustic pagode, full of cavaquinhos and coros galore. Nothing new here, though that's the appeal -- just fun, bouyant, smile-producing, swinging samba. Recommended!
Reinaldo "...E Seus Convidados, v.2" (Warner-Continental, 2000)
Reinaldo "...E Seus Convidados, v.3" (Warner, 2001)
Reinaldo "Pra Sambar" (Atracao, 2004)
Reinaldo "15 Anos De Samba" (2007)
Celia Reis "O Samba E..." (Philips, 1961)
Possibly the only album from this old-school singer...(?) Backing her is an early edition of the male vocal quartet, MPB4.
Dilermando Reis "Dilermando Reis Interpreta Pixinguinha" (Continental, 1972)
An absolutely beautiful solo acoustic guitar album. This tribute to choro pioneer Pixinguinha takes the normally manic pace of these well-known instrumental tunes and slows them to an elegant, sensual pace, bringing it into the more relaxed, resonany tempo of the classical world. It shows just as much virtuosity, just with a very different feel. I love this record: it's very listenable and very lovely, and very unlike most of the other Brazilian music I've heard. Highly recommended! (Reissued on CD as Dilermando Reis Toca Pixinguinha.)
Dilermando Reis "Violao Brasileiro" (Continental, 1975)
Although I didn't find this album as striking as his Pixinguinha tribute, this is still a lovely record, with delicate, delectable guitar work. If you like Baden Powell or Luiz Bonfa, you might wanna check this out as well. Recommended.
Dilermando Reis - see artist discography
Heraldo Reis & Orquestra Reverson "Gafieira Tiradentes" (Top Tape, 1979)
Luiz Reis & Joao Roberto Kelly "Samba Em Quatro Maos" (RCA, 1964) (LP)
A brisk, bouncy set of poppy samba duets with an informal, almost goofball vibe that suggests a long stint as a nightclub act; Joao Roberto Kelly was a popular samba songwriter who later went on to host a national TV show. Both Kelly and Reis were pianists and composers; Reis seems to have written mostly with Haroldo Barbosa, while Kelly composed alone. Regardless, this is a fun, lively album, with a sprightly feel, totally independent of the artistic weightiness of the bossa nova and MPB scenes. Fun rhythm section, too, with a strong Cuban feel to the percussion. Definitely worth checking out.
Mario Reis - see artist discography
Mauricio Reis "Jura" (Revivendo, 2003)
Nando Reis "Para Quando O Arco Iris Encontrar O Pote Do Ouro" (Warner-Brasil, 2000)
Nando Reis "Infernal" (Warner-Brasil, 2001)
Impassioned, pointedly noisy, hard rock from the bass player of the fabled BRock band, Titas. This is commercial stuff, trying its hardest to sound edgy and alternative. I don't really enjoy this kind of music when it's sung in English; the fact that it's a Brazilian album only slightly mitigates the irritating qualities. Mostly it's the cheesy, wanky, wailing electric guitars and the attempt to substitute kinetic energy in place of compositional strength that bugs me the most. Joe Satriani, Smashing Pumpkins... meet Mr. Nando Reis.
Nando Reis "12 De Janeiro" (Warner-Brasil, 2002)
Nando Reis "Com Vida" (Warner-Brasil, 2003)
Nando Reis "A Letra A" (Universal, 2003)
Nando Reis E Os Infernais "MTV Ao Vivo" (Universal-Brasil, 2005)
Nando Reis "Essencial De Nando Reis" (Warner-Brasil, 2002)
A best-of set covering his Warner years...
Nando Reis "Sim E Nao" (Universal-Brasil, 2006)
A best-of set featuring Reis and his band, Os Infernais.
Nando Reis E Os Infernais "Luau MTV" (Universal-Brasil, 2007)
Nando Reis E Os Infernais "Luau MTV" (Universal-Brasil, 2007) (DVD)
Sergio Reis - see artist discography
Renato E Seus Blue Caps - see artist discography
Mario Renato "Samba Maravilhoso" (Esquema, 196-?) (LP)
Ze Renato - see artist discography
Deo Rian - see artist discography
Ribamar & Zito Righi "Ribamar E Zito Righi" (Musidisc, 1963)
There are about a bazillion albums by or featuring pianist Ribamar -- he was one of those ubiquitous musicians on the Brazilian scene of the late '50s and early '60s. Here he's playing with saxophonist Zito Righi, as wella as Ubirijara Siqueira on trumpet and singer Tony Vestane on one song. "Ai De Mim," which is an album highlight. This is a pleasant though largely unchallenging set of upbeat, most instrumental dance tunes -- light jazz/orchestral stuff but with a little bit of a mod-samba bounce. The tunes pretty quickly all start to sound alike, though I did like the perky vocal track. Didn't really hold my attention, but folks more into instrumental dance music might dig it.
Marku Ribas - see artist discography
Pery Ribeiro - see artist discography
Rita Ribeiro "Perolas Aos Povos" (Putumayo/MZA, 2000)
Blessed with a warm, comforting voice reminiscent of the great Clara Nunes, Ribeiro is one of the new crop of so-called "neo-tropicalistas," blending bouncy pop-rock and reggae into an MPB style that is a bit milder (and less jittery) than the contemporary axe style from Bahia. Ribeiro excels when sticks to simpler arrangements (like on this album's opening track, "Banho Cheiroso," or the calypso-tinged "Mana Chica"), projecting a smiley, exuberant vocal vibe that recalls Nazarene Pereira's best work. However, leter this album strays into more belabored musical terrain -- for the most part it sounds just fine, but you feel such deliberate, cerebral, effort on the part of producer Mazzola that it's difficult to get as swept away by this album as you'd like. The underlying effect is more mechanical than rapturous... which is a pity, since Ribeiro really is a very appealing performer.
Rita Ribeiro "Rita Ribeiro" (Caravelas, 1997)
Rita Ribeiro "Comigo" (MZA, 2001)
Rita Ribeiro "Deixo-Me Ir Atras Do Fado" (Zona Musica, 2003)
Rita Ribeiro "Tecnomacumba" (Biscoito Fino, 2007)
Roberto Ribeiro - see artist discography
Jose Ricardo "Serenata Suburbana" (Revivendo, 1998)
Sergio Ricardo - see artist profile
Rio 3 "Valley Samba" (Whatmusic, 2004)
An accomplished jazz album, at least by the standards of mid-1960s Brazil. The opening numbers are bouncy and richly rounded, sounding much like Vince Guaraldi's poppy, melodic jazz work; midway through the band gets more aggressive and closer to the clattersome "trio" sound of the bossa-era jazz scene, then the album rounds out with some smoother material, closer in feel to the post-bop studio jazz up North. This short-lived group came out of the remnants of pianist Luiz Carlos Vinhas' Bossa Tres, and its larger incarnation, Gemini V, both popular cabaret acts. When Vinhas left the group, however, they had to come up with a new name, and opted for Rio 3, after recruiting Osmar Milito to fill in as pianist. After gathering some steam on the club scene, they were scooped up by the USA-bound Sergio Mendes, who incoprorated the trio into his band, Bossa Rio. Apparently these tapes, which were made in 1968, lingered in the vaults for three decades, until this belated reissue. It's okay material, more enjoyable than a lot of the bossa trio work that preceded it, though not as substantive as the North American jazz it often emulates. Worth checking out, if you're into the style.
Rio 65 Trio "Rio 65 Trio" (Philips, 1965)
Brazilian-style jazz with pianist Dom Salvador, drummer Edison Machado and bassist Sergio Barroso...
Maria Rita "Maria Rita" (Warner-Brasil, 2004)
Maria Rita "Maria Rita" (DVD) (Warner-Brasil, 2004)
Maria Rita "Segundo" (Warner-Brasil, 2005)
Maria Rita "Segundo Ao Vivo" (DVD) (Warner-Brasil, 2006)
Maria Rita "Fora De Orbita" (Tratore, 2006)
Maria Rita "Meu Samba" (Universal, 2007)
(Produced by Leandro Sapucahy & Maria Rita)
Brazilian singer Maria Rita is the daughter of two celebrated musicians from the 1960s/1970s "MPB" era, pianist Cesar Camargo Mariano and jazz diva Elis Regina. Hailed as one of Brazil's hot new song stylists, Rita is one of a remarkably talented wave of "second generation" artists whose parents were musical trailblazers a few decades ago... I have to confess that I haven't been a big fan of her work up until now, although this is a lovely album. The focus here is on samba or samba-derived songs, and working in this sensual, classic form, Rita sheds the stylistic affectations and cool reserve of her earlier work -- her performances here are vibrant and joyful, and the songs themselves are seductive and sweet. The repertoire draws heavily on the work of samba revivalist Arlindo Cruz (a veteran member of Grupo Fundo Do Quintal), with songs from MPB composer Gonzaguinha, Edu Kreiger, and a slew of lesser-known songwriters. It's a lovely set, reminiscent of the work of samba-pop stars such as Martinho Da Vila and, of course, Rita's mother, who was known to sing a fine samba tune or two herself. For non-jazz fans who want to hear Rita at her best, this disc is a fine place to start.
Ritchie - see artist discography
Os Ritmistas "Os Ritmistas" (Dubas, 2007)
(Produced by Dany Roland)
In this permutation of Brazil's innovative +2 collective, drummer Domenico Lancellotti teams up with electronicists Dany Roland and Stephane San Juan (along with other +2 usual suspect pals, such as vocalist Thalma De Freitas, bassist Kassin and guitarist Pedro Sa) This is one of the odder, darker outings in the group's ouvre: it starts out sweetly enough, with some understated updates of the classic Brazilian bossa nova sound and a few hints of the salsa-lounge leanings of De Freitas and Kassin's sometimes-goofy Orquestra Imperial. But midway through the tone becomes more sombre, the arrangements harden and the songs begin to get weirder and deliberately more challenging, entering into the "difficult listening" territory that is an offshoot of the ambient music scene. Which is not to say this isn't a rewarding album, in its own way, but it might not be quite what you expect if you've been tuned into the carefree retro-Latin poptronics of the previous +2-related albums. It's an unusual album, and not just for Brazil. Worth checking out.
Ritmos E Vozes & Jose Briamonte "Agora E Samba" (EMI-Odeon, 1973) (LP)
A big change of pace for arranger/bandleader Jose Briamonte, who'd mainly recorded goofy instrumental albums before... Here, he dives into the '70s samba revival, with a lively set of rootsy pagode-style tunes. Vocals are provided by a perky mixed chorale named Ritmo E Vozes, a group with both male and female voices and a cheerful tone. They're not unlike Quarteto Em Cy and MPB4, but a bit more restrained and less flashy than those poppy ensembles. There's plenty of roots-samba records from this era that are cooler or more magical, but this is still a pretty good record. Definitely worth checking out.
Jose Roberto "...E Seus Sucessos" (Epic, 1968)
Fairly lightweight, late vintage jovem guarda teenpop. Taking his cues from scene leader Roberto Carlos, Jose Roberto sings soft, emotive, midtempo love songs, though unlike many of his JG contemporaries he seldom varies the tempo or his own vocal approach, and -- more remarkably -- none of the songs in his repertoire were covers of American or British pop tunes. The backing is generally lackluster, with lazy, Carlos-ian electric organ balanced by rhythm and guitars that only occasionally hint at a brighter, more psychedelic '60s pop sound. That being said, Roberto's music isn't offensive or offputting... it's perfectly fine for what it is, it just isn't very exciting.
Jose Roberto "...E Seus Sucessos, v.2" (Epic, 1969)
Luiz Roberto "Velha Guarda Em Bossa Nova" (Continental, 1960)
A delightfully corny "bossa nova" set from an erstwhile member of Os Cariocas... This is actually mostly a collection of samba-cancao classics, given a bossa-esque twist (some nice acoustic guitar) as well as plenty of goofy but fun orchestrations. At first this seemed a bit glib, but it grew on me -- it's all pretty fun!
Paula Robison "Brasileirinho" (Omega, 1993)
Classical flautist Paula Robison does a great job with choro oldies by Pixinguinha and Jacob Do Bandolim, as well as some Luiz Bonfa tunes and a couple of brief passages of Bach. Beautiful, deft, flowery melodic flourishes match the musical acrobatics of the original Brazilian recordings of the 1920s and '30s. Along with her are guitarists Romero Lubambo and Tiberio Nascimento, as well as Sergio Brandao on cavaquinho and percussionist Cyro Baptista. The best tracks are the openers, bouncy renditions of "1 X 0" and other choro standards; when Robison plays unaccompanied, the album loses some steam, despite her beautiful tone and restrained lyrical style. For a beautiful, clean sounding update of the old choro style, this is a pretty good record, worthy of comparision to Paul Moura's well-known Pixinguinha album.
Paula Robison "Rio Days Rio Nights" (Arabesque, 1998)
A more modern take on the Brazilian sound, with accompaniment by percussionist Cyro Baptista and guitarist Romero Lubambo...
Arnaud Rodrigues - see artist discography
Jair Rodrigues - see artist discography
Lupicinio Rodrigues "Gravacoes Originais" (Copacabana, 1974) (LP)
A sweet set of original recordings from one of the great samba-cancao songwriters of the pre-bossa nova era... Rodrigues was a popular composer among the '70s MPB elite -- here you have the chance to listen to his own recordings of classics such as "Felicidade", from back in the 1940s. This material has since been reissued on CD, but this LP was certainly a tasty, timely historical set when it came out!
Lupicinio Rodrigues "Lupicinio Rodrigues" (Revivendo, 2003)
A 4-CD box set with vintage performances of classic Lupicinio Rodrigues compositions, sung by samba-cancao stars of yesteryear such as Atualfo Alves, Gilberto Alves, Angela Maria, Cyro Monteiro, Carlos Galhardo, Nelson Goncalves, and many others, including some very obscure artists. I haven't heard this one yet, but I am certainly curious!
Pedrinho Rodrigues "Brasil... Sambe Ou Se Mande" (Equipe, 1972)
Pedrinho Rodrigues & Bebel Gilberto "Geraldo Pereira" (Funarte, 1983)
Bebel Gilberto, early in her career, singing in tribute to writer Geraldo Pereira, an early samba cancao star who Joao Gilberto admired and emulated. Haven't heard this one yet, but I look forward to tracking it down someday.
Virginia Rodrigues "Sol Negro" (Rykodisc, 1998)
(Produced by Celso Fonseca & Caetano Veloso)
One of Brazil's brightest stars in the late 1990s and a darling of the US-European "world music" scene, Virginia Rodrigues is blessed with an exceptional, distictive voice, showing a touch of Maria Bethania's lower range, along with a somewhat operatic twist at the edges. I have heard criticisms that Ryko's version of this album undoes the careful sequencing of the original Brazilian release... Not having heard the import, I do have to concede that the pacing here seems a little choppy. Still, this features some lovely arrangements by Caetano Veloso, and even though her voice is a bit overripe and florid, the disc is certainly worth giving a listen. Fans of Cesaria Evora may be particularly pleased.
Virginia Rodrigues "Nos" (Natasha/Hannibal, 2000)
While it is true that Virginia Rodrigues represents something quite new on contemporary Brazilian pop -- a unique voice and an unusually low-key approach to the Afro-Brazilian percussion -- I have to admit that I found my attention wandering on this one. Even with input and guidance from my hero, Caetano Veloso, this album sounds rather stuffy and ponderous. While on one level it's nice that Rodrigues shies away from the now-stereoypical vocal expansiveness that defined the work of divas such as Clara Nunes and Elis Regina, her quietude and restrained approach feel too static, and perhaps suggest a talent which is capable of more than it's producing. Then again, this is a layered and delicate production, and you may find that with repeated listenings it may continually reveal new surprises. It just didn't really grab me.
Virginia Rodrigues "Mares Profundos" (Deutsche Gramophone, 2003)
(Produced by Luiz Brasil & Caetano Veloso)
Rodrigues reinterprets the famed Afro-Sambas album, recorded in 1966 by poet Vinicius De Moraes and guitarist Baden Powell... This had more depth and texture than her previous albums, but I still am not fond of her songbird-ish voice, and there seems to be a tendency to match the gooeyness of her vocals with equally florid orchestrations. This is certainly worth checking out, although I can't say it really moved me that much. Caetano Veloso duets on "Labareda," and also helped sculpt the album... Apparently, the legendary Joe Boyd had a hand in it as well.
Ze Rodrix - see artist discography
Familia Roitman "O Samba Nas Regras Da Arte" (Melodie, 1994)
Familia Roitman "Coise De Antigua" (Rob Digital, 2001)
Dom Um Romao - see artist discography
Ronie & Central Do Brasil "Ronie & Central Do Brasil" (Tapecar, 1975)
This was the second "solo" album by bandleader Ronie Mesquita, who returned from exile in the mid-1970s and fir right in with the breezy pop style of the times...
Angela Ro Ro - see artist discography
Edmundo Ros "Samba!" (London/Richmond, 1960)
Trinidad-born Latin-pop bandleader Edmundo Ros dabbled in sambas from the start of his career (along with practically every other kind of Latin American dance style...) but this was his first album exclusively devoted to the style. It's okay, but not great... Don't get me wrong: I actually like Ros's kitschy, popped-up, cartoonish style, but these mid-1950's recordings don't have as much sparkle and energy as his earlier work in the '40s, and while these are cute and perky, they aren't as genuinely charming as the older stuff. Also, he has a tendency to slip into a calypso vocal style, and never really gets into the slippery rhythms and timing of genuine Brazilian music. On the other hand, this isn't as bland as his later work, when the bounciness gave way to easy-listening torpor, so relatively speaking this is kind of lively. Worth a spin, I suppose, though there's definitely better Edmundo Ros material to explore, and way better classic samba-cancao from Brazil.
Noel Rosa - see artist discography
Sonia Rosa "Samba Amour" (Sony, 1992)
Sonia Rosa "A Bossa De Sonia Rosa" (Bomba)
Sonia Rosa & Yuji Ohno "Brisa Brasileira: Spiced With Brazil" (Sony, 2001)
Rosana "As Melhores" (Sony-Brasil, 2001)
A 14-song best-of featuring plenty of tacky, mainstream '80s pop from this marginal singer. She covers Al Green's "Let's Get Together" (yowling her way through it) and an old Minnie Ripperton song... The old-school soul is balanced by songs by some influential Brazilian rock artists (Rita Lee, Lenine, Marcos Valle and others) but nothing that didn't make me cringe in horror. Not my style.
Rosanna & Zelia "Passagem" (Peregrina, 1997)
Pleasant, but lightweight, bossa nova-flavored MPB, issued on a German label. There are echoes of Joyce and Marisa Monte, though this duo doesn't have as much spark to their vocals as either of those big stars. Some creative arrangements -- particularly the Astor Piazzolla-like accordion that snakes through many of the tracks -- but overall this lacks bite, and seems a bit tamely produced.
Rosanna & Zelia "Aguas - Iguais" (Enja, 2004)
Rosemary "Rosemary" (RCA Victor, 1967)
Reginaldo Rossi "O Quente" (Chantecler, 1968)
Roupa Nova - see artist discography
Alberto Rosenbilt & Mario Adnet "Alberto Rosenbilt & Mario Adnet" (Meia Noite, 1979)
Roze "Acorde" (Chantecler, 1979) (LP)
The debut album by Brazilian folk singer Roze, who had previously recorded with Gereba and his band, Bendego, and perhaps most prominently with Carlos Pita on his spacy 1979 album, Aguas De Sao Francisco. I haven't heard this one yet, but I am quite curious about it.
Roze "Roze" (1981)
Unique-sounding pastoral folk, with a strong northeastern Brazilian regional flavor... Roze has a rather distinctive voice, with one of those shrill, sharp sertanejo accents, which has an interesting impact in a more stripped-down, folkie-acoustic setting. This is a bit much for me, but fans of cosmic Brazilian folkies such as Diana Pequena, Carlos Pita, et. al., might want to check this out as well.
Roze "Roze" (1984)
RPM "Revolucoes Por Minuto" (CBS-Epic, 1985)
(Produced by Luiz Carlos Maluly)
The debut album by new wave rock band RPM, who were one of Brazil's more credible commercial rock bands of the early '80s. Lead singer Paulo Ricardo went on to a successful solo career (which is kind of ironic, since his bellowing vocals are one of the least attractive things about this record...) The guitars are cool, though: jittery New Wave staccato with teeny hints of punky origins... Worth checking out if you're mining deep into Brazilian rock history -- I'd place this mostly as a curio, though; I couldn't really get into it as an album I'd want to listen to recreationally.
RPM "Radio Pirata Ao Vivo" (CBS-Epic, 1986)
RPM "Os Quatros Coiotes" (CBS-Epic, 1988) (LP)
RPM "MTV RPM 2002" (Universal, 2002)
Sacha Rubin "Sacha No Sacha's" (Continental, 1958)
Super-schmaltzy, fairly pedestrian lounge music -- and I mean real lounge music, presumably from Mr. Rubin's own nightclub, judging from the album title. This is pretty bland material, mostly snoozy covers of non-Bazilian standards ("My Fair Lady," "Old Devil Moon," et. al) with a couple of local tunes thrown in for good measure. I think if I had a choice, I'd head for a different club.
Sacha Rubin "Seven To Seven" (RCA Victor, 1960) (LP)
Sacha Rubin "Drinks After Midnight: Sacha's Piano" (London, 1965) (LP)
Oh, yeah: there it is. Good old Internet. Apparently Rubin was a European transplant who came to Rio right after the War, in 1948, and was in an early gafieria-jazz band with saxophonist Moacyr Silva... He opened his club in '54 and was known for his preference for American pop songs. Possibly there are other recordings of his that are more vigorous than these... Possibly not. I'll let you know if I ever find out. But still, if I had my 'druthers, I'd still pick a different nightclub. This stuff doesn't do much for me.
Sacha Rubin "No Bailao" (London, 1967) (LP)
Sacha Rubin "No Bailao, v.2: Gravado Ao Vivo" (London, 1969) (LP)
(Grupo) Rumo "Rumo" (Rumo, 1981) (LP)
Rumo "Rumo Aos Antigos" (Rumo, 1982) (LP)
Rumo "Diletantismo" (Continental/Lira Paulistana, 1983) (LP)
Rumo "Caprichoso" (Independente, 1985) (LP)
Rumo "Quero Passear" (Palavra Cantada, 1988)
Rumo "Rumo Ao Vivo" (Cameratti, 1992)
Renato Russo - see artist discography
Mac Rybell "Mac Rybell" (Beverly, 1974)
Portuguese-language soft-psych sunshine pop tunes alternate with English-language songs of a similar calibre. I prefer the stuff in Portuguese, but it's all okay. A cute-sounding soft-pop record, on the fringes of the commercial brega pop sound -- a little gooey and lightweight, but overall pretty nice... Some songs are duds while others are sweet.
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