Rosa Passos' CD 'Amorosa' Sounds Like Old Brazil

By Felix Contreras

Published January 30, 2005 at 12:00 AM EST

Spoken or sung, the Portuguese language often sounds like music. NPR's Felix Contreras profiles Brazilian bossa nova singer Rosa Passos. Her new album, Amorosa, preserves the traditional style of Brazilian jazz and pays tribute to a bossa nova great: Joao Gilberto.

Of the constant interchange of influences between American and Brazilian music, Passos says, "I respect the other influences that the music has in Brazil, but my category has been destined for me."

Her latest CD comes on the heels of her collaboration with famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma, which produced both a studio album, Obrigado Brazil, and a live version of the same material.

Felix Contreras

Felix Contreras is co-creator and host of Alt.Latino, NPR's pioneering radio show and podcast celebrating Latin music and culture since 2010.

See stories by Felix Contreras

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