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Djavan Songbook Vol 1 & 2 (Almir Chediak) Guitar
Djavan: The Alchemist of Brazilian Sound
In the vast and vibrant constellation of Brazilian music, few stars shine with as unique and enduring a light as Djavan. He is not merely a singer-songwriter; he is a sonic architect, a poet of the everyday, and an unparalleled alchemist who has spent five decades masterfully blending the rich soil of Brazilian rhythm with the cool breeze of international jazz, soul, and pop. To speak of Djavan is to speak of a genre unto himself—a sound instantly recognizable, profoundly sophisticated, and deeply emotional.
From the Northeast to the Nation’s Heart
Born Djavan Caetano Viana on January 27, 1949, in Maceió, Alagoas, his musical roots are deeply embedded in the culture of Brazil’s Northeast. The region’s sounds—the mournful cry of forró, the rhythmic swing of coco, the storytelling tradition of repente—formed his early musical vocabulary. However, even from the beginning, Djavan’s ears were open to the world. He absorbed the bossa nova of João Gilberto, the rock of The Beatles, the soul of Stevie Wonder, and the jazz of Miles Davis, hearing not boundaries but possibilities.
His big break came in 1975 when he won a prestigious music festival in Rio de Janeiro with the song “Fato Consumado.” This victory was a declaration of arrival. Here was a new voice with a distinctly Northeastern accent, singing with a gritty, soulful texture that was a world away from the smooth cool of bossa nova, yet his compositions were layered with a harmonic complexity that dazzled musicians and critics alike.
The Djavan Sound: A Tapestry of Influences
What defines the “Djavan sound”? It is an intricate tapestry where threads are woven with impeccable taste:
- Rhythmic Foundation: The pulse of Brazil is always present. The sway of samba, the shuffle of baião, and the swing of maracatu are the bedrock of even his most jazz-inflected tunes. He doesn’t just use these rhythms; he converses with them, twists them, and makes them his own.
- Harmonic Sophistication: This is where Djavan separates himself from the pack. His chord progressions are unpredictable, lush, and jazz-influenced. He moves through harmonies with a daring and fluency that astonish musicians, creating a sense of constant, beautiful surprise.
- Poetic Lyricism: Djavan is a master poet. His lyrics are evocative, often painting vivid scenes of love, longing, joy, and the simple beauty of life (“Um dia frio / Um bom lugar pra se morar” – “A cold day / A good place to live,” from “Lilás”). He plays with words, using alliteration and metaphor to create songs that are as rewarding to read as they are to hear.
- Vocal Virtuosity: His voice is an instrument of incredible range and expression. It can be a soft whisper, a guttural growl, or a soaring falsetto. He uses it percussively, often scatting with a melodic invention that rivals great jazz singers.
A Legacy Cast in Classic Songs
Djavan’s discography is a treasure trove of Brazilian standards. To list his hits is to trace the history of MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) itself:
- “Flor de Lis”: A song of breathtaking beauty, combining a simple, memorable melody with complex jazz harmonies. It is a masterclass in songwriting.
- “Sobradinho”: A powerful social commentary on the displacement caused by a dam project, proving his music could carry profound messages.
- “Meu Bem Querer”: An anthem of romantic yearning, showcasing his ability to craft a perfect pop song without sacrificing artistic integrity.
- “A Ilha”: A smooth, jazzy ode that highlights his skill for creating atmosphere and cool sophistication.
- “Oceano”: Perhaps his most internationally known song, a hauntingly beautiful ballad covered by artists around the world.
Influence and International Recognition
Djavan’s influence is immeasurable. He is a musician’s musician, revered by his peers for his technical mastery and artistic vision. His impact extends far beyond Brazil’s borders. Music legends like Stevie Wonder, who collaborated with him on the track “Aquele Um,” Carmen McRae, and Al Jarreau have expressed deep admiration for his work. He was nominated for a Grammy Award in the World Music category for his album “Bicho Solto,” cementing his status as a global artist.
For over 45 years since his self-titled debut album in 1976, Djavan has consistently evolved without ever losing his essence. He is not an artist of a particular era; he is a timeless force.
Djavan is more than a musician; he is a vital ecosystem of Brazilian culture. He took the raw materials of his homeland and refined them through a global lens, creating a body of work that is both inherently Brazilian and universally human. He is the alchemist who turned rhythm and poetry into gold, and his music remains a timeless gift to the world.
Djavan: Ao Vivo (1999) | Álbum Completo
Track List:
0:05 – Samurai 5:30 – Azul 9:47 – Meu Bem Querer 14:00 – Nem Um Dia 19:38 – Álibi 23:11 – Cigano 28:19 – Serrado 33:17 – Oceano 36:55 – Açaí 41:25 – Fato Consumado 45:06 – Flor de Liz 49:03 – Amar é Tudo 52:36 – Faltando um Pedaço 57:02 – Esquinas 1:01:31 – Eu Te Devoro 1:06:40 – Seduzir 1:11:28 – Se… 1:16:16 – A Carta 1:22:06 – Boa Noite 1:27:48 – Sina 1:32:07 – Pétala 1:36:28 – Lilás 1:41:00 – Acelerou 1:45:45 – Um Amor Puro