Paz e Futebol 2 - Sonar Kollektiv

Awesome second installation to the Paz e Futebol compilation series. Once again it covers output from Brazil that doesn't stray too far from jazz and soul. Kicking things off nicely is Raffaela Renzulli's 'Asking Eyes', a musical sunrise if ever I'd heard one. Darkness, in the form of spaced out jazz blues, suddenly turns into bright sunshine, you can picture yourself on the beach, smooth rhythms in the background and coconut in hand. From there it doesn't take long for things to warm up, Minas' 'Calma Mulher' and Quarteto Uai's 'Marcas' bring some funk into the equation if only for a brief moment as the following two tracks swing the shift back towards traditional Brazilian sounds.

Like the first instalment of Paz e Futebol, Jazzanova have managed not only to source the best of Brazil with the likes of Ed Motta and Eumir Deodato, but have extended their vision to the rest of the world with the likes of Hardkandy from England and Nathan Haines from New Zealand also featuring. Thus, the compilation is able to, and does, oscillate between new and old, familiar and strange, the whole way through.

For highlights its hard to go past songs that I already knew and loved before listening to this compilation like 'Daqui Pro Meier', however I'll certainly be going back to listen to 'Marcas', an infectious pop/funk tune made for listening on your way to, or at the beach. I'll also be coming back for the laid back jazzy groove 'Boa Noite Meu Filho', 'Dia De Furar Onda No Mar' for its unique marriage of Italian film score with Brazilian rhythm and finally Fafa de Belem's 'Naturalmente', a fierce groove that screams protest song thanks in no small part to Fafa's driving delivery that builds and builds, single handedly carrying the rest of the ensemble through energy alone.

Overall, its another solid compilation from Sonar Kollektiv, there's something for you no matter how far your journey into Brazilian music is. Just a reminder that if you do enjoy it, to first, make sure to check out Volume 1 of Paz e Futebol. Secondly, have a listen to our latest episode of Soundsweekly Radio where we covered world music. It features a great deal of Brazilian magic plus goodies from other corners of the globe, a mix that is sure to please!