An early champion of Brazilian soul music, Tony Bizarro (1948-2022) recorded only a few albums, though he performed alongside soul artists such as Tim Maia, Lincoln Olivetti and Cassiano, and produced records by several pop-oriented 1970's MPB artists, such as Diana and Odair Jose. Here's a quick look at his work...
Tony & Frankye "Tony & Frankye" (CBS Records, 1971) (LP)
A pretty groovy soul-funk album, featuring the short-lived duo of Tony Bizarro and Fortunato Arduini, who lay down as solid a set of '70s soul as any Brazilian act of the era. The first track kicks off with a direct lift of Sly Stone's "Thank You" (and I mean that as a compliment!) while other songs harken back to '60s artists such as Arthur Conley or Sam & Dave. A dash of psychedelic rock guitar comes in, with a Guess Who-ish hard rock feel. Unfortunately, the second half of the album succumbs to the tortured warbling vocal style favored by "Black Rio" artists such as Tim Maia and Cassiano -- I dunno why Brazilian soul singers liked that style, but they did: it doesn't age well. Overall, though, this is pretty cool, especially by Brazilian standards. Definitely an album worth tracking down! (Note: Obviously Bizarro went on to record solo stuff after this, but I'm not sure what became of Arduini - anyone have any info on him?)
Tony Bizarro "Nesse Inverno" (CBS Records, 1977) (LP)
Like Tim Maia, soul singer Tony Bizarro didn't really have a terribly strong (or disciplined) voice, but he's heartfelt and these songs are very well produced and fairly funky, a cut or two above other records from the same era. This isn't really my cup of tea, but anyone looking into the style should check this guy out. Previously impossible to track down, this 1970s disc was eventually reissued on CD, and is worth looking for, if you're checking out the style.
Tony Bizarro "Alma Negra" (1988)
Tony Bizarro "Uma Vez E Outra Vez" (ZImbabwe, 1991)
Tony Bizarro "Estou Livre" (2008)
