Last night, the Miss Universe pageant was held at the Credicard Hall in São Paulo, Brazil. Congratulations to Miss Universe 2011, Leila Lopes of Angola, who inherits the crown from last years's winner, Ximena Navarrete of Mexico. Contestants from 89 countries and territories participated in this year's pageant.
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| Congratulations to Miss Universe 2011, Leila Lopes of Angola! |
Despite never having visited Brazil, I have always had a love for its music and culture. Whether it's the Samba (a symbol of the Brazilian national identity and soundtrack to Carnival), the relaxing sounds of Bossa Nova or even Brazilian 'Baile Funk' (a groovy dance music popular in the slums), the music of Brazil reflects its beautiful landscapes and love of the fiesta! Remixers have had great success in taking a beautiful Brazilian melody and then giving it a lush electronic wrapper. These Brazilian remixes are perfect for cocktail hours, including wedding cocktail hours. Brazilian music is also interesting in that it is a fusion of various cultures, including African (great percussion!), European and Amerindian.
In the 2011 Miss Universe pageant, three prominent musical pieces of the evening were:
Opening: Mas que Nada - Sergio Mendes f/The Black Eyed Peas
Swimsuit Competition: Locomotion - Claudia Leitte (live performance), and
Evening Gown Competition: Close Your Eyes - Bebel Gilberto (live performance)
Listed below are fifteen favorite tracks for your next Brazilian-themed party:
1) Aganju (Latin Project Remix) - Bebel Gilberto
2) Ceu Distante (DJ Spinna Remix) - Bebel Gilberto
3) The Girl from Ipanema - Stan Getz
4) Corcovado - Stan Getz, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Astrud Gilberto, Joao Gilberto
5) Look to the Rainbow - Astrud Gilberto
6) 70s Samba - Wagon Cookin'
7) Sambodromo - Bobby Brazil
8) Wave - Antonio Carlos Jobim
9) Desafinado - George Michael w/Astrud Gilberto
10) Brahma vs. Antarctica - Bobby Brazil
11) Bossa Pre Due - Nicola Conte
12) Baile Funk Medley - Funk On Lata & Ivan Meirelles
13) Lambada - Kaoma
14) Mas Que Nada - Sergio Mendes
15) Trem da Central - Claudio Jorge
Finally, check out these three recommended albums below. Pop any of these CDs into your player, and create a magical atmosphere for your next cocktail party!
Ambient DJ Service is an award-winning mobile DJ company based in Central NJ that prides itself on a broad, international palette of party-friendly music. To learn more, visit us on the web at www.ambientdj.com
Love Bossa Nova... Remember Frank Sinatra singing with Antonio Carlos Jobin ???
ReplyDeleteGreat Post !!!
Hey Ida, Great to see that your comments are coming through! I will have to look up the Sinatra-Jobim performance!
ReplyDeleteHappy to be here...
ReplyDeleteThe song we like is: "The Girl from Ipanema"
Check them out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2UYVvkpYRo
What a cool collaboration!
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