Maria Rita: A New Voice in Brazilian Music

Maria Rita: A New Voice in Brazilian Music

In Brazilian music, recognized as one of the best on the planet, no two names stand out as prominently in this decade as Maria Rita. This singer, with three albums recorded in the last five years, has become the last great discovery of popular music in her country.

The Legacy of Elis Regina

With the huge shadow of Elis Regina (her mother) on her head, proud of it, Maria Rita has carved a space for herself in the competitive and complex landscape of contemporary music, both in Brazil and worldwide.

Early Life and Career

Maria Rita Mariano (born 1977) is the daughter of pianist Cesar Camargo Mariano and the great Brazilian singer Elis Regina. Born in Sao Paulo, she moved to New York at 16 and returned to Brazil in 2002.

When she decided to pursue a career with her voice, she knew what she was facing. It was difficult—and it still is today—for people not to compare her to her mother, especially given certain perceptible similarities in their timbre.

After some personal reflection about becoming a singer ("I needed to really understand why I wanted to sing," she said), she began her career at age 24, after working as a journalist.

The Influence of Milton Nascimento

A key step in her career was the sponsorship she received from Milton Nascimento, even before she had recorded her first album. A year before, he invited her to participate in the album Pieta (2003), which was a big boost, similar to the support she received from Rita Lee and Caetano Veloso, among others.

Musical Journey and Achievements

Her first album, "Maria Rita" (2003), was a success. Like a breath of fresh air, songs like "Cara Valente" (Sambin), "A Festa," and the bolero "Dos Gardenias" resonated with listeners. The following year, the album won three Latin Grammys, having already made waves in Brazil.

Two years later, she released "Segundo," an album where she explores the jazz-influenced trio format of piano, bass, and drums. This album features songs from classic composers (Chico Buarque and Edu Lobo) and new authors, showcasing her expressive vocal power amidst intricate harmonies.

Last year, she released "Samba Meu," reflecting her active participation in Carnival. She is part of the samba community and not an upstart.

She doesn't propose a new reading of tradition; she doesn't repeat. Instead, she looks for new avenues of expression, both vocal and instrumental, as well as new authors.

"Samba Meu": A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Maria Rita personally interprets the roots of samba but with a touch of Latin jazz, and at times, pop. She expands the trio of piano, bass, and drums with guitars and Brazilian percussion, and includes lyrics by celebrated young authors like Gonzaguinha. Consider one of her most popular songs to date: "Samba Meu".

Key Strengths of Maria Rita:

• A vocal range (mezzo) that allows her to perform various types of songs, somewhat like her mother but distinct.
• A phrasing style influenced by voices like Maria Bethania and jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Billie Holiday.
• A connection to the tradition of popular Brazilian music, but more open to other musical influences, less pigeonholed.
• Two facets of Brazilian popular song: she can be joyous and festive like a samba, or intimate, quiet, withdrawn, and melancholy like a bossa nova.
• Innovation in instrumental format: drums, acoustic bass, and acoustic piano are not commonly used for samba in Brazil. She also makes moderate and balanced use of Brazilian percussion instruments (such as the *surdo*) and the characteristic *cavaquinho*.
• She offers nuances, colors, atmospheres, and air. Her style is delicate, soft, and melodic, like a watercolor. She says much with little.