COMPOSERS: Various
LABELS: Quantum Leap Arte
WORKS: Bahid Beat
CATALOGUE NO: QLDVD 0298
These discs are well presented and good value: the formula of docu-portrait, generous concert footage and even some music videos tacked on to four of the six discs exploits the format better than most. The portrait of Brazilian singer and percussionist Carlinhos Brown is rather enigmatic.
He strolls through thefavela (shanty town) of his Bahian hometown of Candeal like a dreadlocked celebrity minstrel. Street children in Candeal have taken up instruments through his enterprise, and several of his community percussion groups are on show. Loud and heavy-handed on stage, Brown's much more beguiling with just a guitar, when the sensuous sounds of the language have a chance to resonate.