Zabumbas (a drum), triangles and accordions, these are the instruments that make up Forró, the party music of the Northeast region of Brasil. Recife and Fortaleza are the major cities with crowded Forró clubs. The picture above is a common theme during the annual Festa Junia (June Festival), it's a time when the music can be heard for miles.
I captured this clip of a Forró band and the lively crowd enjoying the music into the wee hours of the morning. (Itacaré, Bahia).
Although not as popular outside of Brasil as Samba or Bossa Nova, Forró (pronounced fo-HO) is also the name of a dance. There are three different rhythms or paces to the dance, and it's really intriguing to watch skilled dancers. Featured in a 2006 New York Times article, with a great multimedia side piece, Forró is an infectious sounding music where the themes are often of love, passion and saudades (the Brazilian term for longing).
Although Forró has historically been tagged as music from the country side, the late Luiz Gonzaga, has been said to have expanded the form giving it a more urban context. My first exposure to Forró was the compilation, Brazil Classics: Forró, on the Luka Bop label. But I have to admit it took some time to appreciate the genre.
At times the music can be frantic and at other times very funky, yet it continued to honor the traditions of the past. Either way it kept the dancers moving and the next generation of artists, like Chico Science & Nação Zumbi combined influences of rock, funk, hip-hop and electronica created Mangue Beat (or Bit) which some suggest is based on Forró.
For more, check out this excellent audio introduction to popular Forró songs, for a steady stream of Forró music consider, WebRadio do Nordeste.
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