Carnival Groups Reach Proves Successful

Trios eletricos and blocos, are electric trios and blocks or groups of people that parade in the same costume. These large street bands produce a big sound from their massive speakers that can be heard from the favelas (slums) to the top of Corcovado. Many of them play samba and a mix of traditional rhythms such as coco, ciranda, and xote. 

Some of the very popular blocos, like Monobloco, Timbalada and Olodum appeal to those looking for a hip and contemporary sound like samba-reggae, funk, hip-hop and the high energy of axé music. They're extremely popular in Salvador da Bahia and Rio de Janeiro. During Carnaval (Carnival time) it's practically impossible to travel through certain parts of the city without running up against throngs of people laughing, singing dancing, making out, drinking beer and partying themselves into a wild and joyous frenzy. Since trios electricos are on wheels the crowds literally following the bands throughout the city.

Monobloco is perhaps one of the most famous blocos at this time, their popularity is so immense the city of Rio has asked them repeatedly to hold their post carnival concerts at 9:00 am, in hopes of drawing smaller crowds. But once again it backfired when 80,000 people crowded the streets of Copacabana. The bands 2002 CD, Monobloco may not be well known in the States but this import captures the excitement, pulsating batucada and the global appeal of this exciting bloco. Monobloco has multiple lead singers and their voices complement each other as if to sound like one whether they're singing in unison or solo. These fine male vocals are allowed to shine and hold their own against the superior rhythms of the batcuda (percussion section) and strong melodies in songs like Alagados, Maracatu Embolado and the hot samba funk of Immunização Racional (Que Beleza), featured on their CD.  If you're the type that loves being part of the energy of the music, you must experience the infectious sounds of Monobloco, Timbalada and others.

Monobloco - Que Beleza

Timbalada • feat. Carlinhos Brown & Daniela Mercury - Beija Flor

Forró & Mangue Beat: The Party Music of Northeast Brazil

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.