It’s been far too long since I last sang the praises of the Putumayo Kids CDs, which have spanned the globe with their collections of culturally rich music that moves children’s minds and bodies. The latest release, Brazilian Playground is one of my favorites because of the superb selections from a country whose rhythms I have long admired. Brazil, a land that has brought us everything from the samba of the Gilberto clan (which includes Joao, Astrud, and Bebel, among others) to the eclecticism of Caetano Veloso, now lavishes us with rhythms for our kids.
From the moment I spun the CD, my kids began to dance, starting with the light and lovely “Pancada” (“My Nutty Car”), sung by Gui Tavares The beat of romantic hearts and percussion infuses Roberta Sá’s “Tum Tum Tum” (featuring a joyous kid chorus). The legendary Brazilian sound of samba shimmers on Luiz de Aquino’s “Morena,” while the dance music of forró moves Nazare Pereira’s “Forró No Escuro” (“Forró in the Dark”). Perhaps my favorite track is “Expresso 2222,” by Gilberto Gil, a classic about a train heading toward the future.
Although the music itself is enough to make you feel you’re dancing in Rio or leaping through the rainforest, you might also want to check out the online learning guide for the CD at Putumayo’s Web site. As is always the case with Putumayo’s recordings, a portion of the proceeds from the CD sales go toward a charity, in this case one to help disadvantaged Brazilian children.
