Perhaps the greatest stereotype would be Carnaval. This type of festive music has come to represent all that is Brazil along with its music, the people, their mentality, soccer, the beach, the parties. Of course there is always a grain of truth in stereotypes and the ones I mention here are not far from reality!  

I can say that as with any type of music – and in the case of Carnaval music – there is good and bad material. There is Carnaval music that is truly excellent, with great melodies that are harmonically and rhythmically well constructed. And there is Carnaval music that is a lot simpler and principally designed to seduce the body to move. But that is also an important function of music – to create a desire to dance and to sway, to get away, to disappear, to dream.  

I don’t think there is really any misunderstanding about stereotypes… Regarding stereotypes in music, it’s all a part of the marketing game and there is little an artisan like myself can do, to change that. I do my work as best I can, given my capabilities. Companies like Putumayo do a great service to artists and a multitude of cultures by producing and promoting attractive and culturally eclectic albums. These collections inform and educate the masses of all ages and help raise public awareness, stimulate curiosity, and promote truly authentic music. At the same time this provides a viable outlet for many musicians whose music does not fit the commercial “mold” and might otherwise not be heard.   

For more information about the label and the album is at the label’s Internet site. 

Thanks to Ellen, Mona and Luis for their help with this interview.