Portas

A four-time Latin Grammy winner, Brazilian Marisa Monte returns with her first solo studio album in over ten years. Portas (Doors) features contributions from many other notable names in the Brazilian music world, including Arnaldo Antunes (who has previously collaborated with Monte as part of the band Tribalistas), bassist and composer Nando Reis, Marcelo Camelo (formerly of Los Hermanos) and the wonderful singer-songwriter Seu Jorge.

Lead single ‘Calma’ sets the tone; it’s a breezy, bracing, sun-fuelled song. Propelled by acoustic guitar and shuffling drums, coloured by subtle touches of lush strings and brass, ‘Calma’ is a delightful, top-down drive along beachside, wind-whipped roads. Monte’s voice is as honeyed as ever, wonderfully rounded and smooth. The production is classy but never cluttered, a hallmark of this set. ‘Quanto Tempo’ blossoms from a delicate framework into full, rich bloom. ‘Praia Vermelha’ flutters and flows with flutes, hand drums and ringing guitars. ‘Sal’ is a romantic’s dream, a cloud of orchestral roses. The compositions are first-class, their execution is masterful. There is an inviting, pop sheen to Portas, and there is more than enough depth and invention here to keep you coming back for more.