Mágicas / Magicas

Élio Camalle is a paulista (from São Paulo state) from São Caetano do Sul, but sounds like a Bahian. With a penchant for Bahian afoxés and sambas, he dedicated this second album to originals in which the sincerity and avoidance of commercial clichés are evident. Discounting the obvious Caetano Veloso influence, this release shows a sensitive lyricist talking about love. Knowing that he left out songs with a more engaged participation in social issues, it's worth mentioning that he should include them in the next release. Musically, the album opens with the deliciously percussive track "Mágicas," followed by the swinging "Bonita," the delicate canção (for his daughter) of "Gabriela,"; the Djavan-inspired samba-funk of "Pra cá de Bagdá," the reggae tune "Nosso Amor," "Velho Coração" (in a style reminiscent of the progressive rock of Clube da Esquina), and other songs, all revealing a talented composer/interpreter of genuine Brazilian inspiration.