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banda black rio - rebirth In 2000 William Magalhaes, keyboard player and son of original founding member Oberdan Magalhaes reformed the band and in 2001 they released their debut Movimiento which seemed to languish until its re-release in December 2002 under the new title Rebirth (Mr Bongo). Since the demise of the group in the mid 80s, their recorded legacy has stealthily influenced the burgeoning acid-jazz movement and such bands as Jamiroquai, Simply Red and Incognito. Modelling themselves on the original sound of jazzy keyboards, bass, guitars, soulful vocals and exquisite brass arrangements the new Banda Black Rio have updated the sound without losing the freshness or swing of true funk. Yet the Brazilian sensibility is firmly entrenched in the slinky grooves, brass and expressive singing. Rebirth hits the ground running with the punchy Tomorrow, a remix by Ray Mang that is in complete sync with the material. But here as on all over these 11 songs there's a real songwriter's sensibility which demands that funk must not only groove but stimulate and surprise. It would be hard to imagine something like this being created in the USA today. The American soul (surely a misnomer) stars have lost the ability to swing; not the Brazilians however, as one listen to the real soul of Sexta-Feira Carioca or the delirious Misterios da Raca will ably demonstrate. While samba might not seem to be overtly present it is really everywhere in the time and the expression. The instrumental Samba Blum and perhaps even more so the knockout Tabuleiro da Cor bear this out. The relaxed vibe of Carossel is Brazilian ballad-funk at its best. A special mention should be made of the beautifully crafted brass arrangements and outstanding vocal choruses that add another layer of depth here and at many points throughout Rebirth. Kudos too to Toni Ekonomidas (the soundman behind Da Lata and the brilliant Nitin Sawhney) and Faze Action, who add one sympathetic mix each. |
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