Artist: Chico Buarque
Title: Chico Buarque de Hollanda
Label: Som Livre
Genre: World
UPC: 7891430121129
Territory: North America, Europe, Australia
Release Date: 02.01.10

A man of many talents, Chico Buarque has gained worldwide notoriety since the 60’s as a singer, guitarist, composter, dramatist, writer, and poet. His music, however, is most securely tied to his name; his bossa nova compositions from Brazil throughout the 60’s were not only smooth and impressive, but also caused controversy as they were charged by social, economic, and cultural commentary on Brazil and Rio de Janeiro. His music was deemed dangerous by the Brazilian military dictatorship of the time which led to his departure along with several of his fellow musicians to leave the country in 1970. Since then he has battled through government censorship in his music, novels and plays, all of which have been critically acclaimed. IODA is proud to present Chico’s 1966 debut, Chico Buarque de Hollanda in its high-quality remaster from the fantastic Som Livre label.

The album is a polished presentation of Chico’s ear-catching debut: a mix of bossa nova, jazz, and big band, all lined with his distinct, charming vocal style. The whole album features his flamenco style finger picking on the guitar, touches of horn sections, upright bass, flute, and Latin instrumentation.  His lyrics also stand out: during Brazil’s military coup d’état of 1964, Buarque wrote about the events which transpired and avoided censorship by using cryptic analogies and wordplay. For example, in the song “Cálice” (“Chalice”, or Jesus’ Last Supper “Cup”) he takes advantage of the homophony between the Portuguese imperative “shut your mouth” –cale-se– and “chalice” –cálice– to protest censorship against freedom of speech by the dictatorship, disguised as the Gospel narrative of Jesus’ Gethsemani prayer to the Father to pass from Him the chalice of bloody death probation. He is clearly a master of wordplay as well as musical composition.  His beloved classics “A Banda”, “A Rita” and “Sonho de Um Carnaval” are all included.

Fans of Seu Jorge will find a comfortable fit with Chico’s laid back, sunny Latin style. This is classic, classy, and musically advanced. Perfect for everything from cocktail parties to homework music to something to just relax too.