Marisa Monte: “A Primeira Pedra (Ao Vivo)” (2016)
Brazilian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Marisa Monte’s legendary status in her native country hasn’t exactly made her a household name in the US–at least not yet. But then again, she doesn’t pander to American audiences with English-language records a la Selena, Shakira or even Juan Luis Guerra.
But her divine, operatically-trained voice does translate. And the melodies of her compositions, inspired by classical, Brazilian soul and bossa nova music, certainly can touch the heart even if the words of the song (in this case “The First Stone”) are a mystery.
One of the great singers, one of the great talents of her generation.