Brazilian Musical Interlude:

• How about some Brazilian music as you look over our pages? Long after the memories, even the pictures fade away, the music remains clear and strong in your memory. It's a crucial element in your Vacation Of A Lifetime with BrazilAmerica.com. Music is everywhere in Brazil. It's what makes Brazil....Brazil!

• The picture above is the Singing Guys. You can find them at Cumbuco Beach near Fortaleza. They'll wander up and sing a funny song about you, and they'll keep on singing until you pay them to go away. It's a hoot!
       The Singing Guys graze musically at the far end of the pasture. More commonly, you'll find any number of groups playing music that puts fire into the blood and regulates the breathing...and all playing music that you have never heard or even dreamed of. Many of the common street groups could hold their own on any stage in the United States. To hear them costs precisely...nothing. It's all in your package.

• Below, we present a selection of typical Brazilian tunes in midi format. It's a popular page. We must tell you, however, that the real thing is far more enjoyable and powerful. Come see for yourself on your Brazil vacation with us!

• But first, how about a little information about Brazilian music?

                              Click for Page 2 and Music Gallery

Know your Brazilian music!

Samba

     Samba is urban dance music, originally from Africa, and most often associated with Rio de Janeiro. It is considered to be the most popular rythym in Brazil and is known and appreciated worldwide. Its origin combines three different cultures: The Portuguese songs, african rythyms, and the fast paced Indian rituals. Central to samba, it is said, is the African "Batuque" which is a mixture of percussion instruments and hand claps.

Pagode (Pah-go-gee)

     A slower variation of the popular samba.

Forro (Foh-ho)

     Forro, originally from Northeast Brazil, is a popular rythym which makes use of the accordion and flute along with percussion instruments and guitars. It is a very popular dance style with all of Brazil. It is said that the name forro originated during World War II when America had a local military base which served as the jumping off spot for North Africa. They would throw some really wild parties. One kind was for themselves and the high society types, and the other was open for all to come. The locals loved those parties, but could not pronounce the words for all, so they started calling them forros. As luck would have it, it was at this time that the forro style of music developed, and was given that name. Forro means for all and came from those American parties thrown by our boys in World War II. It is one of the most popular forms of music in and around Fortaleza, and to the American ear has many similarities with Cajun music from Lousiana, particularly when the accordion really gets cranked up. It is very lively, and makes your heart light indeed.

Lambada

     Lambada is a very sensual rythym with fast pacing. Its name comes from the very, "lambar" which refers to the movement of the thighs...as will readily be appreciated when listening to in conjunction with the dancing going on around you. It was created in Brazil and exported to Europe with some success. It is a difficult dance, and requires a bit of ability. Whether you can do the lambada or not, you are in for a treat when it being played in your vicinity.

Brazilian Country

     It seems like country is everywhere, and Brazil is no exception. With their versions of our cowboys and cowgirls everywhere, don't be surprised if you hear songs that sound like country music, well, the more lively and happy ones, anyway. It is one of those delights that await our guests to compare the Brazilian idea of country music with what we are more used to.

Other Music

     Aside from the native music, if you should wish to hear something more familiar, you have but to turn on the nearest radio. American music in all forms is greatly admired in Brazil, and constitutes a good bit of what you will hear on your vacation. Just as it is with Americans, where the words to the forro and samba songs aren't recognizable, the Brazilians seem to enjoy American music for music's sake. It seems like good music, (some more good than others) translates to any language, and Brazil certainly loves good old American sounds. But, while you are here with us, be sure to sample as much local music as you can. For many, it is like the icing on the cake, and the cream in the coffee. If you are musically inclined, be sure to carry home a selection of CD's. It will be among your most treasured music and will help to keep your memories alive! 

Click for Page 2 and Music Gallery

Before you go, try a little forro...
Asa Branca (White Wing) -- Forro Gringo Style