JOv2
Well-Known Member
This piece, by Chico Buarque, became a point of recent fascination once I heard the lyrics...
Like most folks, for many years the TjB swing-march version was the only one known. About three years ago, I picked up Astrud Gilberto / Beach Samba ['67]. Unlike Herb, her rendition is more of a novelty -- and the lyrics were equally novel mentioning parades during Mardi Gras and July 4th, etc. I really hadn't given it a second thought as this version was of little appeal. Last summer I acquired Quarteto Em Cy [self-titled '66] with A Banda added as a bouns -- oops, bonus track. Similar to AG's version it was novel in structure -- but it dawned up me: why would Brazilians sing about American holidays and such? I looked up AG's version and noticed an "Anglo" (am I allowed to write that?) name along side Buarque's -- whereas on Quarteto Em Cy's version, Chico was the sole writer. Apparently, "Robert Russell" wrote a new set of lyrics (perhaps Creed Taylor believed the original was not appealing enough for US audiences).
Last week I picked up Nara Leao / Manha De Liberdade ['66] -- which states "incluindo A BANDA" on the front cover. Her version features a more toned-down parade feel relative to the previous three. One thing notable was the length of her version -- suggesting lyrical content was significantly longer.
Doing a search I found a YouTuber who recorded an English version. From his phrasing he's very much indebted to Jobim, Lobo, Nascimento and other Brazilian greats.
I hope you enjoy this version, the lyrics of which are quite touching and melancholy -- exhibiting the beauty of the power of music in a way I've yet to hear from any US songwriter; and, yes, it IS very different from Astrud's release.
(All that's left now is to find a direct translation.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y85wtPC7_1M
Like most folks, for many years the TjB swing-march version was the only one known. About three years ago, I picked up Astrud Gilberto / Beach Samba ['67]. Unlike Herb, her rendition is more of a novelty -- and the lyrics were equally novel mentioning parades during Mardi Gras and July 4th, etc. I really hadn't given it a second thought as this version was of little appeal. Last summer I acquired Quarteto Em Cy [self-titled '66] with A Banda added as a bouns -- oops, bonus track. Similar to AG's version it was novel in structure -- but it dawned up me: why would Brazilians sing about American holidays and such? I looked up AG's version and noticed an "Anglo" (am I allowed to write that?) name along side Buarque's -- whereas on Quarteto Em Cy's version, Chico was the sole writer. Apparently, "Robert Russell" wrote a new set of lyrics (perhaps Creed Taylor believed the original was not appealing enough for US audiences).
Last week I picked up Nara Leao / Manha De Liberdade ['66] -- which states "incluindo A BANDA" on the front cover. Her version features a more toned-down parade feel relative to the previous three. One thing notable was the length of her version -- suggesting lyrical content was significantly longer.
Doing a search I found a YouTuber who recorded an English version. From his phrasing he's very much indebted to Jobim, Lobo, Nascimento and other Brazilian greats.
I hope you enjoy this version, the lyrics of which are quite touching and melancholy -- exhibiting the beauty of the power of music in a way I've yet to hear from any US songwriter; and, yes, it IS very different from Astrud's release.
(All that's left now is to find a direct translation.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y85wtPC7_1M
