Brazilian-American songstress Alexia Bomtempo reimagines classic songs of Carnaval with stunning new album DOCE CARNAVAL
New York, NY – Acclaimed Brazilian-American singer/songwriter Alexia Bomtempo will bring her trademark sultry Brazilian sounds to fans this summer with a stunning new album called DOCE CARNAVAL to be released August 5th on RopeaDope. The nine-track album is a love letter to the timeless soundtrack of Brazilian Carnaval, with Bomtempo reimagining classic Carnaval songs and infusing them with her own intoxicating vocals and “doce” (sweet) musical flourishes. The album was produced by Alexandre Vaz and Jake Owen and features legendary New York based Brazilian percussionist Mauro Refosco, with a recording journey that included sessions in Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Paris. The final result is a wonderful collection of reinterpretations of classics by Brazilian legends including Chico Buarque, Carlinhos Brown, and Herivelto Martins, now infused with unique global music flourishes.
Bomtempo is joined throughout the album by an eclectic roster of special musical guests as well, from noteworthy Brazilian contemporaries including Roberta Sá, Otto, Kassin and Fernanda Abreu to collaborations with celebrated rock guitarist Josh Klinghoffer (Pluralone) and French singer/instrumentalist Maïa Barouh. “The concept for DOCE CARNAVAL came to us during the height of the pandemic. The world was so upside down and I felt the need to connect with music that would bring me to a more positive place. My close friend and producer Alexandre Vaz had the idea of playing songs that reminded us of the bliss of Brazilian Carnaval, which seemed to represent everything that we couldn’t’t have at the time,” says Alexia Bomtempo.
The new single the only original and English language track on the album-is called “Chameleon Lovers” and is out now.
The track was written by Alexia Bomtempo, Philippe Powell, Alexandre Vaz, Jake Owen, produced by Alexandre Vaz and Jake Owen, and mixed by Mario Caldato Jr. Bomtempo had completed recording the track when percussionist Mauro Refosco suggested the song be a duet given its theatrical textures. Refosco suggested Josh Klinghoffer, famed guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers and most recently Pearl Jam, whom he had toured with. Bomtempo was fascinated by Klinghoffer’s recent solo project Pluralone and agreed. Refosco sent the song to Klinghoffer, who fell in love with it and instantly agreed.
The string quartet arrangement on “Chameleon Lovers”, written by Jake Owen, was very much inspired by the works of Ennio Morricone. Bomtempo and team built the track with the visualization of the two singing in a theater, accompanied by a guitarist, string quartet, and cinematic percussion section. This was obviously quite a challenge given the quarantined process of recording, but the guidepost of the inspiration was enough to keep them on track and the final result is musical magic. “Carnaval is about sharing joy and love collectively, not only with people that are already in your circle, but also with strangers who you get to know and admire along the way,” said Bomtempo about the memorable collaboration.
DOCE CARNAVAL Track Listing:
1. Chameleon Lovers (feat. Josh Klinghoffer) [P. Powell, A. Bomtempo, A.Vaz, J. Owen]
2. Banho de Cheiro (feat. Roberta Sá) [C. Fernando]
3. Domingo (feat. Fernanda Abreu) [W. da Vala, A. Ilha, I. do Nascimento, A. Vinhaes]
4. Rapunzel [C. Brown, Alaim Tavares]
5. La Nuit des Masques (feat. Maïa Barouh) [C. Buarque, P. Barouh]
6. Mal Acostumada (feat. Otto) [M. Evans, R. Araújo]
7. Às 3 da Manhã [H. Martins]
8. Direito de Sambar [Batatinha]
9. Quero Morrer no Carnaval (vignette) [Luiz Antônio e Eurico Campos]
Fans can stay tuned for more information on the new album and tour dates here:
For all media inquiries, please contact:
Aliza Rabinoff
Aliza_Rabinoff@dkcnews.com