João Comazzi’s DJ sets are often a tribute to diverse musical influences and cultures. A glance at the list of instruments featured on his new EP Tucanaçai on Sound Metaphors’ sub-label Bless You underscores this artistic approach. The legendary Brazilian ten-string guitar, the viola caipira, the Brazilian pífano bamboo flute, as well as pandeiro and ilú drums, Latin American congas and bongos, West African percussion instruments such as agogôs and udu, and the kalimba and shaker all come together to form a rich, organic arrangement.
Tucanaçai stems from a memory of a toucan perched in an açaí tree in Comazzi’s Brazilian garden. In a highly evocative and apt manner, the five tracks feature warm synthesiser pads, driving percussion patterns and a pronounced rhythmic dynamism. These influences blend effortlessly with João Comazzi’s current engagement with contemporary club music: On the sun-drenched ‘A Volta Dos Cajus’, he features Bororó Felipe, a pioneer of Tropicália music, whilst on ‘Ilú’ he creates a multi-layered DJ tool in collaboration with Gilú Amaral, a celebrated Afro-Brazilian percussionist.
Time and again, bird whistles or wonderfully placed chimes appear, and before you know it, you’re well on your way to forgetting all your worries. The fusion of his sporadic arrangements under the club-friendly umbrella ultimately makes Tucanaçai a vibrant work – a toucan in the açaí tree, transformed into five songs full of warmth and foresight.
Tucanaçai
