Fun as Hell: Matuto’s Seductive Philosophical Trip through Brazilian Beats and Southern Roots on The Devil and The Diamond

Press Release: It’s Carnival in Recife. It’s Mardi Gras in New Orleans. And watch out: That just may be the Devil spinning through the drunken, dancing crowd, trying to get friendly with the saint in disguise, with the diamond in the rough. The rolling drums and quicksilver accordion licks, the earthy vibe and thoughtful reflections mingle on Matuto’s latest refinement of their Appalachia-gone-Afro-Brazilian sound, The Devil and The Diamond (Motema Music; release: May 14, 2013).

Putumayo Goes Indie: Brazilian Beat Uncovers the Roots-Powered Edge of the Worldwide Brazilian Music Scene

Glittering break beats are at home with bouncing berimbaus while rolling Afro-Brazilian rhythms, retro samba soul and velvety bossa nova vocals mesh and groove organically. This is the unstoppable Brazilian Beat (Putumayo World Music; release: January 31, 2012).

Samba San Diego Style: A Hot Brazilian Night

Freelance writer, Patricia McMillian, enjoyed the 19th Annual San Diego Brazil Mardi Gras Carnival on March 5th, 2011. Read her article and find out why you should enjoy the festivities next time around!