Brasilian Skies
Masayoshi Takanaka
genre: rock/ jazz fusion • release date: 1978
Ladies and gentelmen, Masayoshi Takanaka. Cue “BELEZA PULA”, the crowd cheers as the latin beats and grooves fills the stage and stadium. And as the background singers finish their melody; enters the man with the surfboard guitar. And welcome to Brasilian Skies. An album true to its name as Takanaka chooses to put a Brazilian twist on his music to give us his experiences with the culture and his interpretation of Bossa Nova, samba, and other latin music genres. And with that twist, Takanaka captures the sounds of a beach party from sunrise to sundown to tomorrow’s sunrise, while making a quick stop to a disco club before taking us back home.
Takanaka spent most of his days in Rio de Janeiro recording this album. Imagine it as a workcation, staying on the beaches of Brazil, partying with the locals and taking in the culture and then putting into music. To help give it an authentic feel, Takanaka enlisted the help of some local musicians. They can be heard on most of the tracks playing the cavaquinho, a small four stringed Brazilian guitar, and multiple percussions. With that extra care to detail, these tracks become prime examples of Bossa nova and samba music. And you can genuinely hear it. It doesn’t sound like the replication of a sound. It sounds like Brazilian music with some Takanaka on the side. There’s a joy to be heard on these tracks. It wasn’t some mandatory work project. You can feel the fun and excitement that was being had in the making of it all. “Star Wars Samba” is a perfect reflection of this enjoyment. Taking the most iconic main title theme in the history of cinema and then turning it into a Samba? Sounds like a big ask; but Takanaka delivers. The beginning sounds like a classic samba with hints of John Williams’ “Star Wars Theme”. It’s a fun play on the tune that will catch the ears of many and shows off Takanaka’s ability to keep you enthralled. Upon halfway through, the song breaks and goes into a beautiful flute solo. And at this point, I am no longer on Earth. I have been transported to a galaxy far far away, somewhere on Endor right in the middle of an Ewok celebration. This samba fits heavily into the ending of Return of the Jedi which, funny enough, won’t be released for another five years. I guess great minds really do think alike or, at the very least, seek inspiration from one another. After the samba ends, so too does our time in Brazil.
While not every track is listed on where it was recorded, we can hear it very clearly. We say goodbye to our new Brazilian friends and head to Los Angeles for a few of the remaining tracks. Takanaka taps into his disco and jazz sounds and it is very prominent here. “DISCO B” and “FUNKY HOLO HOLO BIRD” captures the sounds of a night in the cities clubs with its use of strings, synths, and funk rhythms. What’s so incredible here, is that we started out outside in the sun on the Brazilian beaches of Rio de Janeiro and now have moved into the city night life while still keeping the energy up. The same vibrations just different frequencies. Flashing lights and a filled dance floor is what I imagine, bringing a full contrast to our outdoor party.
“I REMEMBER CLIFFORD” is actually a cover an old jazz piece of the same name. Written originally by Benny Golson way back in 1956 and named after Clifford Brown, who tragically died in a car accident that same year. A wonderful and deep piece that stands out from the rest of the album. It serves as a reminder to those who can’t all make it for the fun and high times of life. Like a moment of solace for those that we have lost along the way.
The last track, “Izu Amanatsu Nattou Uri”, is the only track that was recorded in Japan. In this track, you can feel the summer heat with thanks to the cicadas and other various insect chirping. A calm piece, it serves as strolling music, such as your make your way through Japan’s streets passing all kinds of street vendors. With it being the final track, the feels that we experienced all seem to melt together as we reflect on our workcation to Brazil and a quick to taste of LA. Takanaka takes us back to his home and what he thinks what summer is like there in Japan. It was blast to see another side of the world, and meet new people and play and make music like they do. But in the end, home is where it’s at. It’s what we are most comfortable and familiar with.
Brasilian Skies is a fun quick listen and serves as a fine example of the grandeur you can have when you start drawing outside the lines. Takanaka had an idea, and instead of replicating it, he went to the source. It inspires you to go above and beyond. The duality of hype is also appreciated. You have upbeat tracks that can hype you up, but there’s also some that can keep you in a steady groove. Overall, Brasilian Skies keeps your attention throughout every minute of the party.
written by
Chance Aguilar
- highlights -
Beleza Pula
Star Wars Samba
Disco "B"
Izu Amanatsu Nattō Uri (伊豆甘夏納豆売り)
track list:
Beleza Pula
Brasilian Skies
Nights
I Remember Clifford
Star Wars Samba
Disco "B"
Funky Holo Holo Bird
Izu Amanatsu Nattō Uri (伊豆甘夏納豆売り)