Nigel Woodreviews the latest release by Seu Jorge

SEU JORGE America Brasil Discos Como No****

Seu Jorge grew up in Rio's favelas and found fame as an actor in the raw depiction of those same favelas in the film City of God. The professed theme of his new album is the relationship between Brazil and the US, both economic and cultural. Musically this takes the form of harmonica and violin alongside cuica and cavaquinho, over samba rhythms heavily adulterated with blues and funk, and topped by Jorge's deep, rugged voice. The atmosphere on America Brasil is loose and casual, with an engaging live feel, which bodes well for Jorge's upcoming Dún Laoghaire Festival gig. Exceptions to the North-South funk are Mariana, a straightforward bossa tribute to his amore, and Cuidar de Mim, a sprawling, overlong ballad, while Eterna Busca opens as a dead ringer for another Jorge - a Mr Ben. www.comono.co.uk

Download tracks:America Do Norte, Samba Rock