_WED MAY 18, 2011_MUSIC
Aline Morales: Flores, Tambores e Amores
Independent
BY: DAVID DACKS
Simply put, Aline Morales’ self-released Flores, Tambores e Amores may be the finest Brazilian album ever produced in Canada.
Morales is best known as the former lead singer for drumming ensemble Maracatu Nunca Antes, whom you might have seen at many Kensington Pedestrian Sundays and Afrofest celebrations. Here, she steps out as a modern incarnation of lush, late-’70s Brazilian popular music.
Morales shines with mature confidence amid David Arcus’ outstanding orchestrations, which incorporate brass, woodwind, Tropicalia flourishes, a few breakbeats and the odd glockenspiel.
Not surprisingly, a record whose title translates as “Flowers, Drums and Love” is a warm and sunny affair, but the enthralling rhythmic depth and occasionally darker moods create a much richer listening experience. With this record, Morales plugs into Canada’s singer-songwriter psyche by leading with the drum.
Playlist picks: “Flores, Tambores e Amores,” “Musa”
Aline Morales plays Lula Lounge (1585 Dundas St. W.) on May 22.