Posts tagged with "forro"

Even if you can’t travel to Brazil, there are plenty of opportunities to experience Brazilian culture abroad, thanks in part to Brazilian expats and gringos dedicated to celebrating Brazil’s heritage. Forró in the Dark is one such example. The musical group, made up of Brazilians living in New York, started a band in 2002 by playing a jam session at a Manhattan club. They soon become a hit, and have recorded two albums since then, including guest artists like Bebel Gilberto and David Byrne.

Forró in the Dark combines traditional forró with American musical influences like rock and jazz, and mix Portuguese and English in their songs. Like Chris mentioned back in 2007, they took a classic forró song, Asa Branca, and made it into something entirely different, but still incredibly fun:

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Here’s another song, called Forrowest, that uses the traditional sounds of the Northeast:

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And one of their newer songs, ‪Saudades de Manezinho Araujo‬:

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And finally, a funny homage to Brazil’s most famous cocktail:

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PS: If you are in the New York area, Forró in the Dark will be giving a free performance at City Winery next week.

Luiz Gonzaga or Gonzagão is one of the most prominent Brazilian folk singers of the 20th century.  He popularized Northeastern baião music throughout the country, and much of his music was reproduced by artists such as Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Geraldo Vandré, amongst other great Brazilian artists.  Baião is the foundation for forró, côco, and embolada, all Northeastern styled music – and all of which Gonzagão is officially “king.”

One of my favorite Luiz Gonzaga songs is “A Vida do Viajante.”  Although the title implies it’s a song for someone who makes a living travelling, but enjoying it at the same time – I think it can touch anyone who’s been away from home and have been touched by the world out “there!”

A Vida do Viajante

Minha vida é andar
Por esse país
Pra ver se um dia
Descanso feliz
Guardando as recordações
Das terras por onde passei
Andando pelos sertões
E dos amigos que lá deixei.

Chuva e sol
Poeira e carvão
Longe de casa
Sigo o roteiro
Mais uma estação
E a saudade no coração

Minha vida é andar…

Mar e terra
Inverno e verão
Mostra o sorriso
Mostra a alegria
Mas eu mesmo não
E a alegria no coração

Minha vida é andar…

Keywords:

- descansar - to rest

- recordações – memories

- sertões – hinterlands

- roteiro – route/itinerary

Today we’re starting a new series about Brazilian dance forms.

Forró is a type of dance that originated in the Northeast of Brazil, and is also known as arrasta-pé, bate-chinela, fobó, and forrobodó. Danced to the music of the same name, the movements have a variety of influences: indigenous ritual dances, traditional Dutch and Portuguese rhythms, German folk dance, and African hip movements. The dance is frequently peformed at parties and festivals in the Northeast. It is the centerpiece of the São João Festival in particular.

The origin of the name forró is disputed. Historians say that it comes from the Portuguese word forrobodó, which means confusion and disorder. The popular version of the story says that the name came from the English engineers living in Pernambuco in the early 20th century. During that time, the English would give parties with banners stating the festivities were “for all,” and these English words morphed into the Portuguese word forró.

Forró dance comes in two types: forró nordestino and forró universitário. Northern forró is more sensual, with a closer proximity between the partners and more body contact.  University forró is more like salsa, with spins, quicker, larger movements, and constantly shifting proximity between the partners.

Check out forró in these two videos, here and here.

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