After establishing himself in his home country (he co-wrote the theme for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio), Brazilian songwriter Rogê is turning his focus to making a name for himself in the States, relocating to LA ahead of the release of his latest collection of songs, Curyman. Following in the footsteps of fellow countryman Seu Jorge, who took the culture by storm with his samba-rock acoustic Bowie covers for the Life Aquatic soundtrack nearly two decades ago, Rogê aims to once again inject the popular sounds of Brazil into the American mainstream.
With that latest record dropping earlier this month, Rogê performed the album cut “Retumbar do meu tambor” in Topanga, California’s Santa Monica Mountains for “Neighborhoods.” With just an acoustic guitar, he strips the track of its percussive accents and backing vocals to give more focus to his wandering vocals and intricate guitar playing. I wonder if the beanie and Sambas were intentional or a nod to Steve Zissou.
Check it out below.
