Drama is the second solo album by one of the greatest musicians and composers of our generation. Rodrigo Amarante, who gained recognition on stage with bands such as Los Hermanos, Little Joy and Orquestra Imperial, has a consistent trajectory that includes collaborations with names like Marisa Monte, Gilberto Gil, Lanny Gordin, Tom Zé, Gal Costa and Devendra Banhart.
Drama is a theatrical and cinematographic record, with poetry written in English and Portuguese, succeeds the album Cavalo, showing the rhythmic and poetic freedom beautifully achieved by the artist who lives in Los Angeles since 2007. The record flies far, comes back, moves, dances. Makes fun of his pains and goes on.
Photo: Eliot Lee Hazel
We talked with Rodrigo about love, humor and the delicate influences that gave life to this album, which began to be recorded in 2018, and was released in the first half of 2021, with the production of Mário Caldato Jr.
Amarante also opens the latest Lampeja Música on FM Cultura, with the story of "Tango", third track on the album.
“'Tango' is not a tango, but I use the dance as a metaphor for an interesting, lasting, healthy and humorous relationship. The exercise was to write with a first layer that works as dance instructions. But it breaks down and starts to turn into a call for help. A celebration of the support and trust. Because dance together needs communion, collaboration and cooperation. And some humor. A beautiful relationship, in my perspective, must allow a cry for help, a request of genuine help. And for some people that's hard, and I think I'm one of those people. It's about putting yourself in a vulnerable place. It's about being able to follow and let the other catch you," explains Rodrigo Amarante
Trilha Sonora: Akeem Music - Jorge Bem, Presidên
Rodrigo Amarante - Tango
Toquinho e Vinícius - O Velho e a Flor
Mahmundi - Sangue Latino
Jordana Henriques - Oração Prá Oxum
Gal Costa + Tim Bernardes - Baby
Almério - Queria Ter pra te Dar
Miri Brock - Me Diz O Que Que É
Jards Macalé + João Donato - Côco Taxi -
Os Mulheres Negras - Imbaruerí
Josyara - Pelas Tabelas
Zeca Baleiro - Ai Que Saudade d'Ocê
João Gilberto + Caetano Veloso + Gilberto Gil - Disse Alguém (All Of Me)