![[Column] Brazilian Boogie / MPB Rare Groove Re-evaluation](/../assets/images/column-brazilian-boogie-mpb.webp)
Preface
Text: mmr｜Theme: Development of Boogie and MPB, representative artists and major works, re-evaluation overseas, and influence on modern times
The Brazilian music scene from the late 1970s to the early 1980s saw a variety of expressions emerge amidst political repression, and came to be reevaluated in the context of the global rare groove. In particular, Brazilian Boogie is attracting attention for its urban, danceable music style that incorporates elements of funk, soul, and disco while following the flow of MPB (Música Popular Brasileira).
1. Origin of Brazilian Boogie / MPB
1-1. Brazilian music scene in the 1970s
In Brazil in the 1970s, music culture was active even under military rule, and MPB in particular created a new musical style that was influenced by American soul, funk, and disco in addition to the existing samba and bossa nova.
1-2. Birth of Brazilian Boogie
Brazilian Boogie developed as a more groove-oriented and danceable style within MPB. Characteristic elements are as follows:
- Rhythm section with a strong sense of groove
- Use of electric pianos and synthesizers
- Sophisticated chorus work
- Lyrics about city life and love
Representative artists include Tim Maia, Cassiano, Hyldon, and Carlos Dafé.
2. Major artists and representative works
| Artist | Active period | Representative works | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Maia | 1960s-1998 | Racional, Tim Maia Disco Club | Soulful, funk-oriented, disco style |
| Cassiano | 1970s | Realce | Mellow funk, sophisticated groove |
| Hyldon | 1970s | Na Rua, Na Chuva, Na Fazenda | Funk x MPB, club popularity |
| Carlos Dafé | 1970s-1980s | Brasil Afrosamba | Afro-samba and funk fusion |
2-1. Tim Maia
Tim Maia is a pioneer of Brazilian soul/funk music. After living in America, he developed MPB that incorporated disco-funk elements after returning to Japan. The album Racional, released in 1975, combined religious themes with funk-disco, and was later reevaluated.
2-2. Cassiano
Cassiano’s album Realce (1973) is known for its elaborate arrangements and mellow grooves, and is popular both in Brazil and abroad. In particular, his use of bass lines and electric piano had a great influence on later generations of musicians and DJs.
2-3.Hyldon
Hyldon is characterized by an urban sound that combines funk and MPB, and many of their songs are danceable. Na Rua, Na Chuva, Na Fazenda (1975) is a popular album among rare groove lovers.
2-4. Carlos Dafé
Carlos Dafé is known for his works based on Afro-samba with elements of funk and MPB. In particular, the album Brasil Afrosamba, released in the 1980s, became the beginning of a reappraisal of Brazilian funk.
3. Chronology: Development of Brazilian Boogie / MPB
4. Background of re-evaluation
4-1. Overseas collectors and the rare groove market
Since the 1990s, Brazilian rare groove records have been traded at high prices, mainly in the UK and Japan. In particular, Cassiano”s Realce and Tim Maia”s early disco works were popular among DJs and collectors both domestically and internationally.
4-2. Reevaluating DJ culture and clubs
In clubs outside Brazil, DJ sets centered around Brazilian Boogie, who influenced contemporary club music such as Nu-Disco and Deep Disco. Among the disco/soul mix, Brazilian Boogie’s mellow and groovy songs attracted attention.
5. Details of musical characteristics
- Rhythm: Funk accent based on 4/4 beat
- Bassline: melodic and groove-oriented
- Chord progression: Complex chords like jazz or MPB
- Lyrics: City life, love, everyday joys and struggles
- Sound: Warmth from analog recording, electric piano synth used
6. Background of re-evaluation
- Expansion of international club and rare groove culture
- Popularity of vinyl reissues and streaming
- Increase in sampling by contemporary artists
- Increased exposure through play by DJs and selectors
7. Modern influences
- Increased sampling by Nu-Disco, Future Funk, Lo-Fi Brazilian, etc.
- Expanding use of sound sources in media such as movies, commercials, and dramas
- Popular in re-evaluation DJ sets at clubs in Japan and Europe
8. Music analysis example
8-1. From “Racional” by Tim Maia
- Funk-oriented rhythm section
- Urban sounds with strings and brass
- Mellow vocal line
8-2. From Cassiano “Realce”
- Counter melody for electric piano and guitar
- Flowing bass line
- Thickness due to chorus work
8-3. From Hyldon’s “Na Rua, Na Chuva, Na Fazenda”
- Funk x MPB groove
- Fusion of synth and percussion
- A sense of rhythm that shines in club play
9. Summary
Brazilian Boogie/MPB is more than just music from the past, it’s an important source of inspiration for contemporary club culture and rare groove enthusiasts. The sophisticated groove, urban theme, and warmth of analog recording offer new value to modern listeners.
