Seu Jorge & Almaz: Ethereal Moods Meet Fiery Funk

The musical project featuring Seu Jorge and the band Almaz originated as a one-off collaboration for a film soundtrack. This evolved into a full album of cover songs, presenting a dynamic shift from Jorge's earlier work.

The backing band, including film score composer Antonio Pinto on bass, and musicians from Nação Zumbi, provides a robust soundscape. Their approach features dubby reverb and funk rhythms influenced by the mangue beat movement, creating an ethereal yet often gloomy atmosphere.

While covers of Brazilian songs like "Saudosa Bahia" and "Errare Humanum Est" are performed with warm affection, the album falters on English-language tracks. Seu Jorge's voice, usually nuanced, sounds distracted on songs like Kraftwerk's "The Model" and Michael Jackson's "Rock With You."

However, the collaboration finds its energy on select tracks. A fiery rendition of Cane & Able's "Girl You Move Me" allows Jorge's vocals to soar. Additionally, MPB covers such as Tim Maia's "Cristina" showcase a more powerful and joyful vocal performance.

The project highlights Seu Jorge's versatility, moving from mellowness to passionate belting. Focusing solely on the novelty of drowsy renditions misses the broader spectrum of his vocal talents and musical offerings.