The jet-stream of MPB may stretch right back to the sixties but it keeps powering onwards with singer/songwriter Dora Morelenbaum right there at the epicentre of this latest surge. She’s an artist steeped in a weighty musical heritage with parents, composer Jacques and vocalist Paula, having CVs which include work with Tom Jobin, Gal Costa and Gilberto himself. But Morelenbaum has been set on her own determined course as part of Rio’s flamboyant art pop new wave. Alongside being a key member of the award-winning, exuberant nu-tropicalia band Bala Desejo, whose first album ‘Sim Sim Sim’ (reviewed in BSM HERE ) crashed into everyone’s 2022 year-end lists, she’s also been building momentum as a solo artist.
Morelenbaum’s luscious, orchestral pop surfaced via the ‘Vento de Beirada‘ EP last year and now she’s set to step out further with a debut album ‘Pique’ due 18th October via Mr Bongo/ Coala Records. Pulling in an illustrious crew of collaborators including her Mum, Dad plus Bala Desejo buddies and the dynamo that is Ana Frango Elétrico as co-producer, this is an album that looks prepared to take that mighty stride.
There’s already been a teaser of what’s to come with the racy, big pop beauty of a first single ‘Caco’ and now comes a second sumptuous alert in the shape of ‘Essa Confusão’. It’s a sultry, flowing, soul jazz crush with Morelenbaum’s exquisite vocals effortlessly shaping the song as it glides into Verocai/Jose Maura string-rich melodics. So two irresistible tasters down and the full menu waiting when ‘Pique’ is released, booking is essential.
Pre-order your copy of ‘Pique‘ by Dora Morelenbaum from your local record store or direct from Mr Bongo HERE
Dora Morelenbaum will be playing the Jazz Cafe, London on 16th November – Tickets available HERE
