Brazil is on the move – and economists are taking notice.

The Wall Street Journal weighs in this week on the many successes that have swept through Brazil in the last decade-plus. Some of those successes include a growing middle class, low unemployment rate, and a robust economic output. Hosting the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics have shined a spotlight on the country and its place as a growing economy engine. As the Journal notes:

Brazil is already the biggest economy in Latin America and the 10th-biggest in the world. By 2050, it will likely move into fourth place, leapfrogging countries including Germany, Japan and the U.K., according to a study by Goldman Sachs.

Clearly, Brazil has turned a corner—and is now a nation with the heft, ambition and economic fundamentals to become a world power. But the country has enormous challenges it must overcome before it can fully live up to its potential.

Economists attribute strict monetary policies and a keen focus on balanced budgets as a key to the country’s vastly improved economic outlook, all of which began to take shape in the 1990s. The result is the biggest economy in South America, which has pulled many Brazilians out of poverty. The picture is not completely rosy, however. The Journal notes that Brazilian infrastructure could use vast improvements and antiquated labor and business laws are still a hindrance to business. But overall as the country faces elections this October, Brazilians have reasons to be proud of the progress the country has made and its newfound economic stability.

What are your experiences with business in Brazil?

The DanceBrazil troupe brings its version of the capoeira to New York City audiences through April.

Capoeira combines martial arts and dance into a display of somersaults, aerials, and visually impressive movements – dancers “seemingly floating in air” at times. The dance traces its Afro-Brazil roots to the 16^th Century – created by African slaves brought to Brazil.

The DanceBrazil company was founded in 1977 by Jelon Vieira after evolving from grass-roots workshops at the Clark Center for the Arts in New York City. Since its inception, the troupe has performed its incarnations of the centuries-old art across the country and throughout the world. The company’s official website notes this about its devoted dancers:

Whether in the streets or on stage in the most prestigious theaters, the dancers and musicians of DanceBrazil never fail to enthrall audiences with the company’s unique fusion of Afro-Brazilian movement, contemporary dance and Capoeira, the traditional dance/martial arts form that had its origins in Africa and evolved in colonial Brazil as a means of fighting enslavement.

The New York Times reviewed the troupe’s Tuesday performances of its two group dances. The company incorporates a mixture of traditional and modern aspects of dance and the Times noted this about DanceBrazil:

For his company’s return to the Joyce Theater on Tuesday night, Mr. Vieira presented a fairly subdued program of two group dances, “Banguela” and “Memórias.” Both works highlight aspects of capoeira, but with DanceBrazil, Mr. Vieira also incorporates Afro-Brazilian and modern dance.

“Banguela,” named after a capoeira rhythm, focuses on the activity of the “roda,” or circle, which surrounds capoeiristas as they play. This “interlude within the game,” as it is described in program notes, paves the way for “mandinga,” or magical moments, in which dancers trick one another with their acrobatic wizardry.

Performances run through April 4 at the Joyce Theater, 175 Eighth Avenue. http://joyce.org/#mce_temp_url#for ticket information.

By Sean Chaffin, Editor/Senior Writer

Last Updated: March 20, 2010; 8:40 pm CT

In its December/January issue, the new travel magazine Afar spotlighted Brazil’s answer to Jamaica – the reggae capital of Brazil – the city of São Luis in the northeast section of the country.

This coastal city of more than one million people boasts colonial architecture to draw visitors, but is best known for its music. São Luis is home to the country’s reggae sound, often heard pumping through radiolas, large towering speakers that belt out thunderous beats for parties and festivals. As the article notes:

Reggae first arrived when residents of São Luis tuned in Caribbean radio stations as a way around the strict censorships of concerts and broadcast music during the military dictatorship, which lasted from 1964 to 1985. Inspired by the political reggae they heard, local musicians started experimenting with the new sounds.

One of the best-known of these bands is Tribo de Jah (God’s Tribe), which formed in 1985, blending Jamaican sounds with the native Brazilian zabumba bass drum and forró folk music and Portuguese lyrics. They also perform reggae standards in Portuguese. In 2008, the band released two new CDs: Love to the World, Peace to the People (recorded in English) and The Babylon Inside.

Afar is a great magazine hoping to bring a real sense of wonder and cultural enrichment to travel and culture – something we also believe in and strive for here at Mosaic Brazil. What are your thoughts on Brazilian reggae? Check out the Mosaic TV links to Tribo de Jah and let us know what you think.

This year marks the bicentennial of several Latin America countries’ fight for independence. In anticipation, the Telegraph (UK) offers up a primer for those heading to South America – and especially Brazil – for the first time.

Ahead of this year’s events, the Telegraph offers a brief synopsis of Brazil’s own independence, which culminated with a proclamation of independence on Sept. 7 1822, on the banks of the River Ipiranga near São Paulo. The article also offers up some top attractions in the land of samba and sun including this about a must-see to visit: “Salvador’s carnival, which is far more of a people’s party than Rio’s commercial extravaganza.”

And what vacation would not be complete without some souvenirs? “Havaiana flip-flops are cheaper here than elsewhere, as are bikinis,” the author notes.

Havaianas are a cultural phenomenon in Brazil, and now known throughout the world. These often brightly-colored flip-flops were designed in the 1960s, and recognized for their comfort and sturdiness. The shoes seem like a natural invention of such a beach society. Sounds like a great trip – wake up in Rio, grab some bright, new Havaianas, and head for Ipanema Beach. Sit back and relax – you’re in a Brazilian state of mind.

The Samba via accordion? Yes, you read that correctly. While the accordion is associated with Latin music, it isn’t usually incorporated into music from the land of samba and sun.

That changes a bit this weekend. A Seattle Times article this week highlights Saturday’s the city’s third annual Accordi-O-Rama, which features a bit of unconventional Brazilian sounds thanks to the unlikely instrument. The Times says this about one of the featured bands:

Pianist-flutist Jovino Santos Neto — born in Brazil, based in Seattle — joins forces with accordionist Benjamin Gown for a set of Brazilian tunes. Gown is a member of local klezmer-samba band Sasson, whose album, “The Gathering,” was released last year. You can hear them on www.sassonband.com and www.myspace.com/sassonklez, and get some idea of what Gown’s “sambaklez” sensibility is all about.

Sasson has been around since 2005 and blends a love of samba and klezmer-style accordion-laced music from Eastern Europe. The band’s official website describes their sound this way:

”Our sound has been slowly transforming into an original approach to an eclectic blend of musical influences that we sometimes term sambaklez. The underlying theme that precipitated the band was to form a Jewish music ensemble, drawing on the rich tradition of klezmer music from Eastern Europe and the mizrachi sounds of the Middle East. Yet this was not to be in isolation from our prior experiences which include years of study in the realms of jazz, folk music from America, Cuba, Brasil, and West Africa, and other contemporary idioms. As native Seattleites, we want the music to be accessible to all people, not just the Jewish community and not just old timers.”

It should be quite a unique sound at this weekend’s festival – and sounds like a lot of fun.

By Sean Chaffin, Editor/Senior Writer

Last Updated: March 19, 2010; 11:55 am CT

As Chileans continue to recover from the massive earthquake that rocked the South American country, Brazil has been a key in helping in the recovery.

“I came here to tell President Bachelet that Brazil was willing to put its full potential for solidarity. At these times we must be patient because there will be a real increase of the things they need, because we do not want to send things over here that are not necessary,” said Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva immediately after the quake.

In the days following the earthquake, Brazil dispatched four groups of rescue firefighters, a field hospital, and several planes. Planes were also being used to retrieve Brazilian citizens who may have been stranded in Chile. In addition, also being sent are two Brazilian Air Force H60 helicopters. Portable bridges have been flown in as the country copes with destroyed infrastructure.

The quake’s death toll has topped 700 and more than $30 billion in damage is expected.

Photo – Brazilian soldiers load a military plane with supplies before it departs Rio de Janeiro for Chile.

As our world grows ever smaller, the prominence of cultural icons such as Elis Regina begins to shrink as well, slowly replaced by the quickening pace of the latest trend, the 24 hour news cycle, and the next subject for his or her “15-minutes of fame.”

This is the time of year where, as Spring arrives and clocks likewise spring forward, we stop to look back at the woman who many consider to be Brazil’s greatest singer. So, for taking the time and effort to learn about Elis Regina, I thank you.

Times have changed and Brazil’s music scene has, too: For all of her dynamic presence, Ivete Sangalo (who is Brazil’s reigning Queen of Song) has precious little in common with Regina. Indeed, barely a decade had passed when the author of Regina’s biography publicly proclaimed that Elis Regina had been all but forgotten in her country.

Elis was dynamic in her music and polarizing in her personal life. And while author Regina Echeverria’s biography is controversial; its critics have never gained much traction – in Brazil or beyond. The same can be said of Ruy Castro’s excellent history of ‘Bossa Nova’. Considering the magnitude of both topics, it is confounding that more published works have not been researched and written.

Regardless, Elis Regina never fails to elicit passionate response from its readers and this year, I’m pleased to present the on-line edition of her life story, in English. The full-length book titled ‘Furacão Elis’ (Hurricane Elis) has a new home. We’ve augmented the presentation with a comments page, online store and more, and I hope that you’ll enjoy the read.

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So what is Gilberto Gil up to these days, now that he’s stepped away from his role as Brazil’s Minister of Culture? Well, he’s back to music, but never far away from an opinion or two. In a recent phone interview, he was asked about the US music scene:

“I don’t miss the politics,” Gil, 67, said in a phone interview. “The political side of it was something very difficult, so I don’t miss it, but the cultural [side] I miss.”  

Are you familiar with Animal Collective?

Yeah, yeah. The rappers?

They’re more of a pop band. They’re influenced by Tropicália, and by extension what you do.

I’m glad that they recognize that kind of element and it’s being absorbed by them from the Brazilian culture. I appreciate that. We have…common ground. Both American and Brazilian music are grounded on Afro elements, and this is one of the reasons that American groups are referring to Brazilian sources, that’s a natural thing.

David Byrne also seems very influenced by you.

Yeah, besides being a good friend. We became very good friends after he decided to present Brazilian music through collections that he did, and he himself has recorded Brazilian songs….I think this is great. He’s a great friend.

Besides David Byrne, is there another American act you can think of that really represents the spirit of what you do?

Oh…it doesn’t come to me immediately like that, a name of a band….[Jazz] people like Herbie Hancock and Pat Metheny, people that refer to lots of different periods of Brazilian music like the Bossa Nova and the Tropicália. Lots of bands; hip-hop bands, jazz bands, rock bands.

What are you listening to these days?

I listen erratically to different things….My kids come up with different stuff from Europe, African stuff, American stuff, South American stuff. I don’t have a preference.

Gilberto Gil performs at the Lisner Auditorium in Washington DC on Saturday as part of a larger US tour in support of his 2009 disc “Bandadois”.

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Riding high on their Latin Grammy nomination, the Orquestra Contemporanea de Olinda (from Brazil’s northeastern state of Pernambuco) are launching  their first U.S. tour this spring – scheduled in at the cutting-edge  SXSW festival in Austin Texas, the Lincoln Center and at the Heineken Transatlantic Festival in Miami Beach this April. Comprised of young musicians who are carrying the torch of the late, great mangue beat master Chico Science, OCO’s musical mayhem is a groove-fueled fusion of frevo and forro with drum-n-bass, rock and world rhythms. We’ll report more on this group as reviews come in.

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 Speaking of SXSW (South By Southwest), the 9 day fest gathers more than 200 of the top international breakout music acts. Invited from Brazil this year: Canja Rave (Porto Alegre), Julia Says (Sao Paulo), L.A.B. (Novo Hamburgo), Vander Lee (Belo Horizonte), Natalia Mallo (Sao Paulo), MegaRex (Sao Paulo),  Moxine (Sao Paulo),  The River Raid (Recife) and  M. Takara 3 (Guarulho).

Will any of these go on to become the next major Brazilian star? Considering Brazil’s history with developing new talent through festival competition, there’s a chance. We’ll have to wait and see!

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Perez Hilton writes that “Mariah Carey must love Brazil. If she doesn’t, she should! Mariah Carey’s new music hasn’t been fairing too well state-side, but in Brazil , she is an EPIC star. Her Foreigner cover, I Want To Know What Love Is, a song that barely got ANY airplay here in the US, has been on the Brazilian charts for 20 consecutive weeks – at the #1 spot!

While it says nothing of Hilton or even Carey, it speaks volumes about Brazil’s radio scene these days.

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Looking for a new workout routine to go along with getting trim for Spring? Why not try Capoeira?

Even for an athlete, capoeira offers players a new type of physical challenge. Burleigh said he cycles and runs on a regular basis, but his first day of capoeira was different from any other type of sport. Wikipedia remarks that it’s an Afro-Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, music, and dance. It was created in Brazil by slaves brought from Angola and developed in the region of Quilombo dos Palmares, in the Brazilian state of Alagoas (Pernambuco). Participants form a roda, or circle, and take turns either playing musical instruments (such as the Berimbau), singing, or ritually sparring in pairs in the center of the circle. The sparring is marked by fluid acrobatic play, feints, takedowns, and extensive use of leg sweeps, kicks, and headbutts. Less frequently used techniques include elbow strikes, slaps, punches, and body throws.

One capoeira newcomer said “It’s awesome. It’s like a full-body workout for two hours, because you’re pretty much moving the whole time in a room with 20 people.” Capoeira is based around a swaying movement called ginga. From there, the movements become more complicated as they evolve into balancing handstands and kicks.

“Music and singing are just as important as the actual game, so when we’re at class everyone is singing and learning the songs,” he said. “We also take turns playing the instruments as well. It’s not just a sport, it’s more of a culture that you get into.”

The rhythm-setting instrument in capoeira is called a berimbau – a single-stringed wooden gourd instrument with a bow. Other instruments used in capoeira are bongos and tambourines.

Music and a good workout? That’s Brazilian!

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Sergio Mendes is getting ready to release a new album. ‘Bom Tempo’ his 38th album as a leader, and he revisits some of his favorites songs from Brazilian composers including Jobim, Gilberto Gil and Milton Nascimento – and a song from Stevie Wonder, too!  Read all about it and pre-order your copy now at Connectbrazil.com and have it delivered to your door when it is releases in early May.

According to reporter Jeff Tamarkin, Mendes serves as producer, composer, arranger, pianist and bandleader on the new album, which showcases songs from Brazilian songwriters (including Antonio Carlos Jobim, Gilberto Gil, Joao Donato, Carlinhos Brown, Jorge Benjor, Milton Nascimento and Moacir Santos) and one from Stevie Wonder, written especially for Mendes in 1977, ‘The Real Thing.’ Among the musicians present on the album are drummers Mike Shapiro and Vinnie Colaiuta, bassists Nathan Watts and Alphonso Johnson, guitarists Paul Jackson Jr. and Kleber Jorge, percussionist Gibi, vocalist Gracinha Leporace-the bandleader’s wife-and songwriter-arranger-vocalist Carlinhos Brown.