Studio Rio Presents The Brazilian Connection

The Wall Street Journal Goes Brazilian

Featuring Studio Rio Presents: The Brazil Connection

Myers also reviewed the album for his blog, Jazz Wax, in which we wrote, “The versions on this album aren’t replacements for the originals but fascinating and fun alternatives. I don’t say this often, but I guarantee you’re going to love it.”Last week, in an article for The Wall Street Journal, Marc Myers featured the album Studio Rio Presents: The Brazil Connection. A collaboration between the Grammy award-winning producers The Berman Brothers & an all-star cast of Brazilian musical pioneers, the album blends 12 iconic American vocal performances with newly recorded samba and bossa nova arrangements.

Songs on the record include Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing,“ Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day,” Aretha Franklin’s “Walk On By,” and the Isley Brothers’ “It’s Your Thing,” among many others. Tracks from Studio Rio Presents: The Brazil Connection are included throughout ESPN’s comprehensive coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, with multiple songs from the album slated to soundtrack the network’s multi-platform presentation of the quadrennial tournament.

The brainchild of music producers Frank and Christian Berman, the real-life siblings have garnered over 90 gold and platinum records and are known for their work with such acts as Cher, Maroon 5 & Dido. The brothers are no stranger to the blending of cultures and sounds with their creation/production of the album Rhythms Del Mundo, which brought together international superstars such as Sting & Coldplay with renowned Cuban musicians and members of Buena Vista Social Club.

As quoted in the Journal, “We wanted to give familiar American songs an updated feel and show that all music is connected. Two years ago, Christian and I were sitting on a balcony in Berlin and heard Billie Holiday’s ‘You’ve Changed’ from 1958 coming from a distance. Christian turned to me and remarked how laid-back her voice sounded on the album Lady In Satin, as if you could put a slow bossa beat behind it. So we tried it.”

The brothers then sought the help of the cream of the crop of bossa nova and samba players (including Latin Grammy Award winner Roberto Menescal and musical legend, Marcos Valle) to add Brazilian flavor to these classic tracks.

Studio Rio Presents: The Brazil Connection is a vibrant, inspired reinvention of timeless performances that at once feels entirely new & instantly familiar. The perfect summer party album and soundtrack to your World Cup cheers, it is guaranteed to get you on your feet and leave you smiling. To watch a teaser video about the making of the album – Click HERE

To stream the album on Spotify – Click HERE

The Berman Brothers, Roberto Menescal, Marcos Valle & Mario Adnet are available for interviews.

Track list:

1. Bill Withers – Lovely Day

2. Aretha Franklin – Walk On By

3. Marvin Gaye – Sexual Healing

4. Billie Holiday – You’ve Changed

5. Sly & The Family Stone – Family Affair

6. The Isley Brothers – It’s Your Thing

7. Mel Tormé – I’ve Got You Under My Skin

8. Nina Simone – I Wish I Knew What It Means To Be Free *

9. Johnny Nash – I Can See Clearly Now