Anyone for a Brazilian Girl without a Pearl Earring? I should say so as Mr Bongo's diving for treasure has found yet another star!
If Don Glori is on the edge of Brazilian soul-jazz (see review HERE) and Julia Madstre's 'Maravilhosamente Bem' is at the "dreamy pop" end (see review HERE), Zé Ibarra's 'AFIM' as nu-MPB (see review HERE), Nina Maia's 12 tracks are an impossible mix of all three plus influences of Caetano Veloso, Tim Miai and Arthur Verocai plus the modern nu-wave of Bala Desejo (see review HERE).
Apparenly, this album was released last year in Brazil with 8 tracks and came into Mr Bongo's hands via a cassette tape entitled 'Pleased To Meet You' in Stockholm of all places. Nina herself is based in São Paulo, Brasil and 'INTEIRA' (whole) is an incredible debut album for the 22 year old singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, producer who definitely has a feel for the beautiful and dramatic.
The album features Yann Dardenne (acoustic guitar, co-producer and the one who had the cassette mentioned above, Francisca Barreto (cello and vocals), Thales Hashiguti (viola and violin), Valentim Frateschi (bass), Thalin (drums) and Nina on piano, Rhodes, guitar and production.
"Any relation to Tim?", I hear you shout from the cheap seats. Not that I'm aware but you could include him in the mix of influences along with Beatles and Kate Bush for he obvious, a non-dancey Kelley Polar for the not so obvious. In fact, it's hard to give a comparison as it really stands out on it's own as a brilliant album.
Artist: Nina Maia
Title: INTEIRA (Deluxe Edition)
Release date: 22nd August, 2025
Label : Mr Bongo
Catalog Number : MRB325
Format: LP / Digital / Bandcamp
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