Diogo Strausz – Dance Para Se Salvar
Flashback to 1982. When producers, writers, arrangers, and multi-instrumentalists Robson Jorge and Lincoln Olivetti started their solid partnership, writing songs for dozens of MPB artists during that era, they also received pretty critical reviews accusing them of turning the classic MPB sounds into lame and boring pop. Fast forward over 40 years, and all of their recordings are considered classics. Actually, their song “Eva” from their self-titled 1982 LP remains a favorite in the Gina/Gustel household. Enter Diogo Strausz. The Brazilian musician, now based in France, releases his third album “Dance Para Se Salvar” on Favorite Recordings tomorrow. After two critically acclaimed albums for the Goutte d’Or label, he now pays tribute to the Jorge/Olivetti period with a very organic, analogue sounding album full of little surprises. The 8-track LP starts out with a festive “Carnaval De Gringo”, setting the pace with some funky electric keys and a sunny vocal arrangement.
With the second track, “Com Magia”, pardon the pun, the magic sets in. This boogie-laden track offers richly textured dance grooves, soaring percussion work, brass sparkles and joyful vocals, all adding up to an irresistible tune. Funk and dancefloor savvy grace the swirling “Ele é Artista”. It features the work of French jazz, soul, and deep house producer Bruno Hovart, also known as Patchworks. My favorite track concludes side 1 of the LP. The boogie groove of “Montánha Magica” is something else. It immediately throws you back to the good old early 80s days, complete with the accustomed handclaps and a superb bassline. And the fun continues with the George Duke-like “Viver, Lutar, Reerguer”. The production work on this one is exceptionally soulful and the vocals simply sublime. I also dig the brass arrangement here and the vintage studio equipment is more than worth the effort.
There is more disco funk with a high percentage of soul on the party-esque “Frevo Mulher”, another dancefloor highlight which oozes joy and energy and excitement. The title track, “Dance To Save Your Soul”, exudes both warmth and exotic spirit, continuing the highly organic and overall rousing mood of the album. And we also get some Chic meets Earth, Wind & Fire-sounding late 70s soul disco funk on “Popotão Grandão”, the album’s grand finale which sets the bar high for the upcoming release season. Catch Diogo at New Morning in Paris on January 31st and at Hootananny in Brixton on February 6th.
