Originally from São Paulo, London-based musician Monica Vasconcelos is no stranger to the album production fraternity. She has produced 7 albums to date.

I am pleased for Vasconcelos’ persistent love of the arts. This album was made possible by crowdfunding, with the project supported by The Arts Council England, and help from her friend, Robert Wyatt.

This is an album of pure passion. An album that re-tells many stories of the dictatorship from the military coup of 1964.

The sleevenotes are forwarded by Professor of Portuguese (Kings College of London), David Treece. He writes, “Brazil’s most talented songwriter and performers faced these challenges with amazing creativity and courage...".

Any album forwarded by Treece is worth a listen, then another listen. In fact, listen some more.

The album's production is of a very high standard. Whenever I listened to it in quiet solitude, every nuance of the beautiful Portuguese language can be heard. And every pitch produced by the timbre of the acoustic guitar and piano can be felt.

In all, twelve classics are re-told by Vasconcelos, as if she was there. The passion is immense and compelling in this fabulous collection of stories from the coup of '64.

For shame! I do not speak Portuguese or Spanish and this album is a stark reminder of how much I love the music and vocals from this great culture. I miss the first-hand understanding. I am missing the third-dimension to this album.

Fortunately, for the benefit of those that do not speak Portuguese, Treece has translated all of the songs available in a PDF download here. This is in addition to the informative insert provided with the CD.

Each of the songs tells a story. I have chosen a couple from this packed album:

Angellca is a song that ask the question "Who is that women who sings as the bell tones?" As sad as the story is, the lyrics written by Chico Buarque and taken from his 1981 album, Almanaque, are moving and emotional, and accompanied by acoustic guitar and piano. The tone of the piano sets the scene and the words flow like tears. This is a tough story to tell, yet alone re-tell. Vasconcelos rendition of this Brazilian classic is beautiful, melodic and warm.

Originally sung and written by João Bosco in 1972, Agnus Sei , is delivered beautifully. The lyrics tell of soldiers marching with the intent to bring peace, however, hypocritically with the tools of war. It's difficult for me to fully comprehend, however, as most of the lyrics are sung against the backdrop of a funky rhythm that is often associated with the sounds of Brazil - what is referred to in the UK as jazz funk. It is full of driving energy, conviction and supported by talented musicians. If there was one criticism, that of my personal opinion, is that they could have left the congas in this production, adding more dimension as per the original bossanova classic. The original is listed as 'MBP - Música popular Brasileira' on 'Discogs' and this cover version would be a fitting addition to your collection.

The Sao Paulo Tapes can be purchased here.

Credits:

Monica Vasconcelos - Vocals

Ife Tolentino - Acoustic Guitar

Liam Noble - Piano

Andre Lafone - Electric Bass

Yaron Stavi - Double Bass

Marius Rodrigues - Drums

Silvia Cueva - Vox

Dean Brodrick - Backing Vocals (arrangements)