Says Don Day Don Dree Don Don

iTunes Review

Márcio Local’s debut recording for David Byrne’s Luaka Bop label is subtitled “Adventures in Samba Soul,” a phrase that accurately sums up this high-spirited recording. A funky fusion of Brazilian samba and American soul, Local showcases an infectious, groove-driven sound that touches on the classic samba-soul hybrids of the 1970s while sounding completely modern. This isn’t a revolutionary concept but it is catchy and a lot fun. Anchored by keyboards, assorted percussion, a great horn section, and Local’s rich and pleasing voice (and occasional rapping), the music feels relaxed and seductive throughout. There are some romantic moments set to slightly slower tempos, notably “Happy Endings” and “Resgate,” but most of the album is designed to make you shake your hips, and tunes such as “Samba Sem Nenhum Problema,” “Preta Luxo,” and “Soul Do Samba” achieve this effortlessly. A perfect summer album — or for those times when you wish it was summer.