Being able to improve on a long-standing tradition requires a lot of courage and artistry. Marcio Faraco seems to have been born with that innate ability. He does not hide his musical influences in the 11 original songs he penned for Ciranda. Influenced by Brazilian masters Chico Buarque, Milton Nascimento, Joao Gilberto and Caetano Veloso, Faraco goes one step further and brings his innovative style to Brazilian samba, baiao and toada.
Faraco’s smooth vocals, sometimes reminiscent of his idols, are refreshing. Besides the captivating rhythms and Faraco’s excellent acoustic guitar work, Ciranda features the touch of legendary Brazilian arranger Wagner Tiso, who is known most notably for his remarkable work with Nascimento and the Clube da Esquina (Corner Club) artists. The title track also features vocals by Brazil’s artist of the century, Chico Buarque.
Faraco’s expertise in assuming different roles through his lyrics is extraordinary. There is a certain innocence when he sings about his homeland’s future on the title track, but at the same time, his words are razor sharp, as in protest songs. At one moment he talks through the eyes of a child and in the next he sings of the solitude of those in love. His talents in crafting words and music are prodigious.
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