Chances are if you've heard of Seu Jorge, it’s through his film career. Playing Knockout Ned in City of God, it may not have been apparent that he was first and foremost a musician, although he performed acoustic, Portuguese Bowie covers in The Life Aquatic.
His newest band, Almaz, took his friends from the set of City of God for an extended recording session, emerging with a slow grooving album of psychedelic Brazilian soul, known as samba. The whole disc is deeply rooted in the ’70s, from the echoing, atmospheric production to the choice of covers, ranging from Roy Ayers to Michael Jackson to Kraftwerk. Yes, if you wanted to hear a smoky Brazilian band take on German electro-pop, you’re home.
The band’s influences are obvious, taking a cue from Serge Gainsborough on “Saudosa Bahia,” and rivalling The Black Keys on “Girl You Move Me.” But this never feels contrived, sounding more like a chance recording in a dark half-filled bar by an effortlessly laid back band. Just like City of God made foreign films more accessible, Seu Jorge makes world music that much cooler.
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