説明
ブラジル音楽の聖地ミナス・ジェライス州に生まれ、現在はサンパウロを拠点に活動するNina Maia。弱冠22歳にして、すでに6本のブラジル映画で音楽制作に携わり、Maria GadúやLinikerといったトップアーティストたちとも共演を重ねる驚異的な才能の持ち主だ。シンガー、ソングライター、マルチ奏者、そしてプロデューサーとしての顔を併せ持つ彼女が、満を持して世に送り出したアルバムが、この『INTEIRA』だ。
本作は、Milton NascimentoやToninho Hortaが築いたブラジル音楽の伝説的な潮流「Clube da Esquina（街角のクラブ）」の精神を受け継ぎながら、Billie EilishやRosalíaといった現代のポップ・アイコン、さらにはPortisheadやMassive Attackのようなトリップ・ホップの質感をも飲み込んだ、極めて独創的なサウンドに仕上がっている。サンバ・カンサォンやMPBの伝統的な美学に、ジャズや電子ポップスの洗練が加わり、ジャンルの枠に収まりきらない唯一無二の響きを湛えている。
デラックス・エディションとなる本作には、ブラジルの至宝Vinicius de Moraesの名曲「Serenata Do Adeus」の独創的なカヴァーや、彼女のステージ上での圧倒的なエネルギーを封じ込めた「DE DENTRO」のライヴ音源など、4曲のボーナストラックを追加。ピアノやRhodes、ギターに加え、チェロやヴィオラ、ヴァイオリンといった弦楽器が織りなす重層的なアレンジが、彼女のどこか儚く、中毒性のあるヴォーカルを優しく、時には力強く支えている。
針を落とした瞬間に広がるのは、サンパウロの親密な夜を切り取ったような音響空間。ヴァイナルの溝が刻むRhodesピアノの柔らかな打鍵音や、微かな息遣いまで感じさせるヴォーカルの存在感は、デジタル配信では決して味わえない立体的な没入感をもたらしてくれる。各楽器の細やかなニュアンスが、静寂の中から鮮やかに浮き上がる贅沢な一枚だ。
A1. Caricatura
A2. Kaô
A3. Mar Adentro
A4. Sua
A5. Menininha
A6. Amargo
B1. Salto De Fé
B2. Inteira
B3. Manha
B4. Gosto Meio Doce
B5. Serenata Do Adeus
B6. De Dentro (Live)
It began with a cassette tape entitled 'Pleased To Meet You' gifted to us at Sessa’s Fasching, Stockholm show by Yann Dardenne, the multi-tasking tour manager/sound engineer/producer/merch stall worker and co-owner of Seloki Records. On first listen, the selection of underground Brazilian artists from the Seloki’s roster was superb, however, one song stopped us in our tracks. The hauntingly captivating ' GOSTO MEIO DOCE’ by Nina Maia and Francisca Barreto, gave us a taste of Nina's ethereal, addictive voice and we knew we needed to hear more.
Born in Minas Gerais but now based in São Paulo, the 22-year-old has already packed a lot into a relatively short space of time. The singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, and producer, has already collaborated on the soundtracks for six Brazilian feature films, including a track with the vocalists Maria Gadú, Iza, and Liniker. But things enter a new exciting era with this, her remarkable debut album entitled 'INTEIRA', which translates to English as 'whole'.
As much inspired by Billie Eilish and Rosalía, as Milton Nascimento and Toninho Horta and not sounding like other records coming out of Brazil, 'INTEIRA' is unique. Though rich in its Brazilian heritage, inspired by samba canção, MPB, and the Clube da Esquina movement, it also channels influence from bands such as Portishead and Massive Attack, mixed with jazz, contemporary leftfield and electronic pop artists. Musically, it is not easily pigeonholed, with beautiful, well-crafted songs, sophisticated arrangements, eloquent vocals and intimate lyrics. Each track reflects different moments and stories from Nina's youth but with dialogues, feelings, and questions that span generations and resonate with all.
This ambitious debut album is Nina's vision and sound, expressing herself without constraints and making music with her friends. Featuring a lineup of Thalin (drums), Valentim Frateschi (bass), Francisca Barreto (cello and vocals), Thales Hashiguti (viola and violin), Yann Dardenne (acoustic guitar and co-producer) and Nina on piano, Rhodes, guitar and production. The album led to a nomination in Paulista Association of Art Critics (APCA) award’s ‘Breakthrough Artist’ category, who also listed ‘INTEIRA’ as one of the 50 best albums of 2024. It also received support from Bandcamp Weekly and Jamz Supernova on BBC 6 Music.
Released digitally by Seloki Records in Brazil in 2024, Mr Bongo in partnership with Seloki Records now present this new, deluxe worldwide edition that includes four additional songs. These comprise the brand-new exquisite 'MANHA', as well as an original twist on Vinicius de Moraes' classic 'Serenata Do Adeus'. Elsewhere you’ll find a live recording showcasing Nina's remarkable energy on stage courtesy of 'DE DENTRO' and 'GOSTO MEIO DOCE' with the amazing musician/vocalist Francisca Barreto, where our whole story began. Here at Mr Bongo, we are honoured to release music by such a remarkable new talent - one whose musical trajectory is most certainly about to soar.
