Country: Brazil
Something exciting is happening in Brazil (and it’s not just Bolsonaro being sent to prison). It’s the sounds being created by rising artist Valentim Frateschi. The São Paulo–born composer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist brings together Brazilian musical styles with jazz and light electronic touches for a fresh sound that is rhythmic and dreamy.
“Estreito” has elements of Bossa Nova and samba with jazzy guitar lines, while “Lokotario” brings in bebop drums and a flowing horn section to accompany the tongue-twisting vocal delivery. These are songs for the dance floor as much as for accompanying a happening cocktail party.
Frateschi is also able to take things down to a slow simmer, such as on track “Mau Contato”. The hushed male/female vocals and minimal instrumentation has echoes of indie rockers The Moldy Peaches, if they were to experiment with lo-fi jazz. And on “Falando Nisso”, Frateschi explores 60’s lounge music through a modern indie pop filter.
Discover this interesting artist for yourself by listening to a couple of his tracks in our World Watch Playlist.
The Indy Review 