Brazilian Love: Bïa and "Mariana"

Today's random tune is by Brazilian Bïa Krieger, also known just by her first name. She is a contemporary singer/songwriter who composes and sings in several languages and styles. Her early years were spent as an exile in Chile, Peru and Portugal as her family fled Brazil's military dictatorship. She didn't return to Brazil until 1980 to finish high school and start university. A visit to France in 1995 resulted in a contract that led to her first album, mostly a tribute to the music of fellow Brazilian Chico Buarque. She has released six albums. This song, Mariana, can be found on her 1999 album Carmin (re-released in 2010), and on the compilation CD Putumayo Presents: Brazilian Lounge (2006)

And Then: BiD with Seu Jorge and "E Depois..."

Today's song, E Depois... comes from Brazil and is brought to us by BiD and features Seu Jorge on vocals. BiD is a multi-instrumentalist and producer whose 2004 release Bambas & Biritas Vol. 1 (Spliffs and Booze Vol. 1) caused a sensation for its mix of samba, soul, funk, hip hop and electronica and its high powered guests such as Rappin Hood, DJ Soul Slinger and Elza Soares. Seu Jorge is a musician and actor who is best known for his starring role in the film City of God and who was in the movie The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (for which he also provided covers of David Bowie songs in the soundtrack). E Depois... (And Then...) can be found on the compilation album Putumayo Presents: Brazilian Lounge (2006).

Dance Away the Sadness: Marissa and "Saudade Fez um Samba"

Marissa, a Brazilian singer from Rio de Janeiro, brings us our song for the day. Marissa is also an accomplished percussionist who has spent much time studying and perfecting her knowledge of Brazilian rhythms as a member of various percussion groups. Saudade Fez um Samba (Sadness Makes a Samba) was written by bossa nova legends Carlos Lyra, Ronaldo Bôscoli and João Gilberto. It speaks of how the joy of a samba replaces the pain of lost love. Saudade Fez um Samba can be found on the 2006 compilation album Putumayo Presents: Brazilian Lounge.