Full Review

Jacaré, Saindo da Lagoa Review

Jacaré is a world music ensemble making a big noise in Berlin’s Brazilian music scene. Jacaré was created in 2019 by Helena Fontaine (Pandeiro, vocals), Félix Huet (vocals), and Gonçalo Mortagua (Tenor Saxophone, vocals), the quartet of musicians already performed in Berlin’s iconic venues such as the Festsaal Kreuzberg, the Gretchen, and the underground club of Das Hotel Bar. Their music is a nostalgic blend of samba traditions presented with three-part vocal harmonies, rich tenor saxophone lines, and Brazilian percussions. In 2020, Jacarés recorded their debut EP called Saindo da Lagoa with sound engineers Tim Tabellion and Florent Chaintiou, which is now being released on the Sungroove Record Label.

Bottom Line: Saindo da Lagoa is a five-song EP that presents the sounds of Brazil with characteristic rhythms such as the Côco, the Ciranda, and above all, the Samba. The compositions are influenced by the roots of the gender, the first “sambistas” who blended poetry, rhythm, spontaneity, and the beauty of vocal harmonies to create timeless songs that all will remember and sing along. The pieces were inspired by old Samba melodies, blending French chanson and afro-Brazilian percussions with traditional vocal harmonies. The first single, “Côco das Mães,” was recorded live and filmed in an old Stasi Cinema, now turned into a music recording studio in East Berlin. Supported by a warm saxophone playing the bassline and various handheld percussion. The three vocalists layer in to build a stirring world melody. The female/male presentation of the verse is an excellent color and texture variety. “Côco das Mães” was inspired by the repentistas Beija-Flor e Oliveira. It is an homage to the mothers and fathers of this earth. It was filmed and recorded live with guest musicians Neide Alves, Sabina Celeste, and Ícaro Kái. “Nao Quere” has a samba bassline, acoustic guitar, and a relaxed melody with beautiful vocal harmony and Mortagua’s warm tenor saxophone color. “Chico Esperto” continues in the samba vein with added trumpet and continued evolution of the buzzing vocal harmonies. “Percorri O Mundo” is a traditional vibe with a beautiful vocal arrangement with counterpoint, harmonies, and contrary motion vocal parts that give the song energy. Overall, Saindo da Lagoa brings the sounds of authentic Latin music to life organically and pleasingly and it will grab your attention as it entertains and makes you feel that relaxed samba sway. That’s the short of it!