Musiqueiro

João Suplicy's debut is a short, sharp record, including only ten tracks, but literally packed with bright melodies, excellent musicianship, and the deft type of eccentric songcraft and production typical of Brazil in general, and producers Bid and Toquinho specifically. Suplicy at times recalls Chico Buarque, Milton Nascimento, and Marcos Valle, but always sounds distinctive. His songs cover electric funk ("Creuza"), go-go '60s pop ("Vozes"), reggae and ska ("Pra se Perder," "Gibi"), MPB on several tracks, and a little romantic bossa on "Daqui a um Minuto." The production is simply breathtaking, Bid and Toquinho adding dozens of textures to these songs: guitars, synths, keyboards, brass, vocal choirs, metal guitar, samples, and odd microphones to name a few. Add to this Suplicy's mature vocals and delicate croon — marking him as one of Brazil's best young performers — and you're left with a great album of modern pop.