Marisa Monte sings on Niño Josele's album

The singer Marisa Monte is one of the special performances of the album “Bajañí”, by the Spanish flamenco violinist and composer Niño Josele. The album, which went into rotation in audio applications on October 9, has 16 tracks and establishes bridges between flamenco and Brazilian music. Marisa performs two songs in the project: "Ainda bien" and "Not a step back".

The work functions as a soundtrack to the homonymous musical documentary directed by Fernando Trueba. The album cover refers to the classic LP “Sgt. Pepper's lonely hearts club band" (1967), two Beatles.

Marisa Monte re-recorded success in flamenco rhythm

“Ainda Bem”, a partnership of Marisa Monte with Arnaldo Antunes, was first presented on September 14, 2011. At the time, the song served as the first sample of the album “O que você quer saber de verdade” (2011), the artist’s eighth solo album. Critics and followers identified elements of Spanish flamenco and Mexican mariachi in the arrangement.

Now, 15 years after the original release, the composition resurfaces within the flamenco universe. The new recording, made by Marisa Monte for the album “Bajañí”, features slower progress than the 2011 record. The track integrates the repertoire of the album alongside other connections with the music of Brazil.

The singer also performs an unreleased track in her voice.

In addition to “Ainda bem”, Marisa Monte participates in “Nem um passo atrás” (2024). The song is composed by Mari Jasca, Julia Mestre and Mel Paranhos, and was originally released by Jasca on the album “Disparada” (2024). Marisa Monte’s version of the album by Niño Josele marks the first recording of the song in the voice of the Brazilian artist.

With this, Marisa Monte contributes twice to the project. The two tracks reinforce the dialogue between contemporary Brazilian music and flamenco, a central characteristic of the work of Niño Josele.

Album brings other Brazilian connections

In addition to the two recordings with Marisa Monte, Niño Josele makes other connections with the music of Brazil along the 16 tracks of “Bajañí”. The repertoire includes re-recordings of classics such as “Insensatez” (Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes, 1961), “Amazonas” (João Donato, 1965) and “Pixitotinha” (Hermeto Pascoal, 1988).

The album also features a duet between Niño Josele and Caetano Veloso on the Beatles' song "Because" (John Lennon and Paul McCartney, 1969). The presence of so many Brazilian names evidences the interest of the Spanish violinist for the music produced in the country.

Documentary and release

The album “Bajañí” was released on October 9 and is available on audio platforms. The project accompanies the musical documentary of the same name, directed by Fernando Trueba. The cover of the album, inspired by “Sgt. Pepper’s”, reinforces the collaborative and celebratory character of the work.

The source did not detail the documentary’s release date. However, the release of the album already allows the public to check out the new interpretations and the connections between flamenco and Brazilian music.

For fans of Marisa Monte and instrumental music, the album offers a panorama of encounters between artists of different traditions. The work of Niño Josele consolidates cultural bridges and expands the scope of the Brazilian repertoire on the international stage.

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