News / / 02.06.14

Caetano Veloso

Barbican, London | 27 May

In Brazil’s rich musical history, Caetano Veloso is about as big as they come. In a career spanning almost 50 years, Veloso has been constantly evolving and continues to rack up accolades across the globe.

On his musical journey he’s crossed paths with countless other greats from Beck and David Byrne to fellow countrymen like Jorge Ben and Gilberto Gil. In 1969, Gil and Veloso, exiled from Brazil, landed in London. Over the next few years, the two of them not only introduced Tropicalia to the world but later brought rock’n’roll and reggae back with them, changing the landscape of Brazilian music.

Tonight at the Barbican, it seems as though every Brazilian in London has turned up for the sold out performance. Veloso himself even quips, “I will speak in English because there might be one or two people out there who don’t speak Portuguese”. All the Brazilians applaud their hero. Only a few songs in and Veloso has already charmed the crowd.

Those expecting the old Tropicalia stuff might have been disappointed at first, Veloso is here promoting his new album Abraçaço. The occasional older song does receive more of a sing along but the energy and expertise shown across the board is undeniable. Now into his 70’s, Veloso refuses to be pinned down to one sound. Even the new record itself sees him tackling a wide array of styles. Combining faultless pop moments with more unusual structures and timings, the sheer breadth of his ability as a songwriter is striking.

By the end, the aisles of the Barbican’s beautiful main hall are adorned with enthusiastic Brazilians as Veloso dances his way off stage, high-fiving everyone in the front row. After some cajoling, he returns for the encore, beginning with a stunning a capella and then into two English songs written in exile in London in the 70s. For the second time, Caetano Veloso receives a highly deserved standing ovation.

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Words: Jack Lucas Dolan

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