In the early 1970s, a new wave of artists from the northeastern state of Ceará emerged, giving rise to one of the most important movements in contemporary Brazilian music. The group, known as "Pessoal do Ceará," was formed by musicians, poets, actors, and intellectuals who sought to tackle the political and social issues of the time through their work.
The "Pessoal do Ceará" movement was influenced by both the Tropicália and Clube da Esquina movements, characterized by their festival atmosphere and political engagement. The movement's breakthrough moment came in 1972, with the release of the album "Pessoal do Ceará - Meu Corpo Minha Embalagem Todo Gasto na Viagem" by Continental Records, introducing the public to new artists from Ceará.
Here are five of the most important albums from the "Pessoal do Ceará" movement that every Brazilian music enthusiast should know about:
1. Meu Corpo Minha Embalagem Todo Gasto na Viagem (1972)
This album, considered the milestone of the "Pessoal do Ceará" movement, features songs by artists such as Belchior, Fagner, Fausto Nilo, Ednardo, Rodger Rogério and Téti. With a mix of styles and themes, it reflects the musical and political ferment of the time, and remains a classic of Brazilian music.
2. Alucinação (1975)
One of the most iconic artists of the "Pessoal do Ceará" movement, Belchior's "Alucinação" is a unique and imaginative album that combines elements of rock, folk, and MPB (Brazilian Popular Music). With its poetic lyrics and adventurous musical arrangements, it remains one of the most innovative Brazilian albums of all time.
3. O Romance do Pavão Mysteriozo (1974)
Ednardo's "O Romance do Pavão Mysteriozo" is a classic of northeastern Brazilian music, with its lush melodies and complex arrangements. The album is known for its imaginative use of traditional instruments, such as the accordion and the zabumba, and its exploration of themes such as love, nature, and the passage of time.
4. "Massafeira Livre" (1980)
"Massafeira Livre" is a cornerstone of the "Pessoal do Ceará" movement, and one of the most important albums in the history of northeastern Brazilian music. With its blend of rock, folk, and MPB, and its insightful lyrics, the album continues to inspire new generations of musicians and music lovers.
5. Ave Noturna (1975)
Fargner's "Ave Noturna" is a classic of Brazilian popular music, and one of the most important albums of the "Pessoal do Ceará" movement. With its mix of rock, MPB, and regional styles, the album remains one of the most innovative and influential albums of Brazilian music, and continues to be a favorite of music lovers to this day.
In conclusion, the Pessoal do Ceará movement was a response to the political and cultural turmoil of the 1970s in Brazil. With their innovative sound and political vision, the artists of this movement left a lasting impact on Brazilian music and are a testament to the power of art to inspire change and challenge the status quo.
Now that you've learned about the musical movement that influenced a generation of Brazilian artists, dive deeper into their legacy and explore our best-selling vinyl record collection. Get ready to add some classics to your collection and keep the music alive!