STEVE JOHNSON speaks to DJ and singer/songwriter Mark Radcliffe
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Bixiga 70
Quebra Cabeca
(Glitterbeat Records)
★★★★★
THE 10-PIECE Bixiga 70 were named after their Sao Paulo neighbourhood, populated by immigrants from Calabria, and the entirely instrumental Quebra Cabeca (Puzzle) is an immersive paean to the area’s multiplicity of throbbing urban sounds and vibrant multicultural spirit.
Rather then trying to produce Afrobeat, they came up with their own creation Bixiga and, while respecting the likes of Gilberto Gil, they also look up to Pedro Santos, Os Tincoas and others who aren’t as well known but of far greater significance within the core of Brazilian music.
Bixiga 70 write collectively and their work is almost symphonic at times. Awe-inspiring polyphonic arrangements are delivered with extraordinary precision and discipline, while intriguing melodic themes are furnished by unexpected horns and percussions in symbiotic combinations, energised by spine-tingling guitar riffs on an exquisite bass foundation.
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