Bossacucanova is a Rio-based trio that takes the classic heart of cool 1960s bossa nova, and makes it new again. Their fresh, groove-filled CDs are part of a new generation’s world-wide infatuation with Brazil’s beloved bossa nova.
DJ Marcelinho DaLua, bassist Marcio Menescal and keyboardist Alexandre Moreira burst onto the international dance music scene in 1999 with Revisited Classics, a collection of both new and old bossa nova songs given new life and vigor through the application of funky breakbeats, skillful turntablism, electronic manipulation and adventurous mixology. The idea of fusing the smooth sounds of classic bossa nova recordings with up-to-the-minute electronic elements wasn’t exactly new. But Bossacucanova’s approach to Euro-Brazilian fusion is unique, in part because the trio treats bossa nova as the main dish and the breakbeats, electronica and other embellishments as garnishes, rather than the other way around.
Uma Batida Diferente was recorded in the band’s home base of Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro in early 2004. The band continued its well-established pattern by inviting important figures of Brazilian music both old and new to participate in the project: Legendary Brazilian composer and guitar player Roberto Menescal (who is also Marcio’s father), essentially a fourth member of the band, joined them on the project. Other stars like singer Marcos Valle, Zuco 103, Cris Delanno and others, as well.
Live, the group includes singers (including Cris Delano), bass, keyboards, DJ, sax, flute, guitar, percussion. They were featured at the 3rd annual Heineken TransAtlantic Festival, a perfect example of new world music.
Discography
Revisited Classics (Six Degrees Records, 1999)
Brasilidade (Six Degrees Records, 2001)
Uma Batida Diferente (Six Degrees Records, 2004)
Ipanema Lounge (2005)
Ao Vivo (Six Degrees Records, 2008)
Nossa onda é essa (2013)
Our kind of bossa (Six Degrees Records, 2014)
Best of Bossacucanova (Six Degrees Records, 2016)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.