It’s the waters of March closing the end of the (Brazilian) summer. Another mid-March arises, soon to herald the change of the seasons, and it's not impossible to resonate with the bossa nova classic “Águas de Março” by Tom Jobim featuring Elis Regina. This year, 2024, is even more special, marking the 50th anniversary of the album “Elis & Tom.” Recently, a documentary titled "Elis and Tom: It Had to Be You" (Roberto de Oliveira and Jom Tob Azulay, 2022) was released, offering a glimpse behind the melodies. Let's delve into the charming layers of this half-century masterpiece.
In the 1950s, Rio de Janeiro emerged as the birthplace of bossa nova, a burgeoning genre crafted by young musicians from Rio's middle class. Their gatherings were characterized by experimentation and innovation, resulting in a fusion of samba and American jazz. Bossa nova is distinguished by its simplicity, reflecting Brazil's urbanization and industrialization, although it was initially associated with the elite. João Gilberto cemented the genre in 1958 with a groundbreaking reinterpretation of "Desafinado," introducing modifications to its rhythm and beat. Tom Jobim, a graduate in classical music, played a pivotal role in the movement by infusing it with refined harmonies, co-composing "Garota de Ipanema" with Vinícius de Moraes in 1962. The onset of the military dictatorship in 1964 marked a turning point, leading to the emergence of Brazilian Popular Music (MPB), heavily influenced by bossa nova. Serving as an intelligent, ironic, and resistant response to the military coup, MPB continued the legacy of bossa nova while embracing new influences and themes, traditionally based on Brazilian folklore and popular culture. By the 1960s, the genre had been exported and gained recognition worldwide.
Elis Regina is often hailed as the greatest Brazilian female singer of all time. Her career took flight in the 1960s through participation in musical festivals, where she skilfully integrated elements of the bossa nova aesthetic into her music, while showcasing her remarkable vocal range and dramatic expressiveness. Over the span of two decades, Elis delved into a diverse array of genres including MPB, bossa nova, samba, rock, and jazz. Initially inspired by radio singers, particularly ngela Maria, a prominent figure in the Brazilian music scene of the 1950s and 1960s, Elis stood out for her powerful voice and ability to interpret various musical styles such as samba, bolero, and romantic music. Elis played a significant role in launching and promoting the works of previously unknown artists who have since become renowned, thereby contributing to the vibrant Brazilian music scene. Additionally, her memorable duets with various artists created unforgettable musical performances. By the end of the 1960s, Elis embarked on an international career, gaining recognition across Europe.
The 1970s witnessed a bridge over troubled waters. On one hand, Tom Jobim resided in the United States, enjoying an established career with connections in both the Brazilian and American music scenes. However, Brazilian artists faced challenges in pursuing international careers during this era. The prevailing cultural nationalism in Brazil led some segments of society to view artists seeking success abroad with suspicion or disdain, accusing them of betraying national culture or succumbing to foreign influence. The icing of the cake was bossa nova’s decay in Brazil. On the other hand, Elis Regina faced her own struggles. Despite her vocal opposition to the military dictatorship, highlighted in her public appearances and lyrics, she encountered controversy after performing at the Army Cup. This led to a perception that she supported the regime, tarnishing her prestige. The album "Elis & Tom" served as a bridge over these troubled waters despite their creative differences.
It's as if the waters of March have mingled with Brazil's sun, akin to what we say in Portuguese, "chuva e sol, casamento de espanhol" (rain and sun, Spanish wedding). The album was recorded in California, where both artists were inspired by its culture, technology, and democracy. Their talents and creative processes found a harmony amidst occasional discord with their conflicts. This album not only solidified their careers but also carved out unique niches in Brazilian culture. The collaboration between these two titans of Brazilian music, coupled with high-quality production, musical innovation, and the revival of classics, transcended mere music. It left an enduring impact on Brazil and continues to inspire musicians and music lovers across generations and geographical boundaries, serving as a model for others to emulate. Additionally, their individual contributions were significant, as they exchanged musical ideas and incorporated elements from each other's styles. Their presence will always linger in the air, even though they are no longer with us physically.
The documentary "Elis and Tom: It Had to Be You" delves into the intricacies mentioned above, utilizing archive footage and insights from individuals involved in this masterpiece of Brazilian culture. However, while the documentary garnered prestige abroad, with numerous reputable newspapers and magazines covering it, it remained relatively obscure within Brazil's media landscape. This phenomenon is elucidated by Brazilian writer Nelson Rodrigues, who originally intended to discuss the 1950s World Cup. He coined the term "Mongrel Complex" to describe the voluntary sense of inferiority that many Brazilians harbor when comparing their country and culture to others, particularly those in the developed world. Rodrigues compares Brazilians to "backwards Narcissus" who denigrate their own image. He asserts that there are no personal or historical justifications for this lack of self-esteem. The term "Mongrel Complex," also known as "mutt complex" (Portuguese: complexo de vira-lata, lit. 'street dog complex, mutt complex'), reflects this shared feeling of inadequacy among Brazilians, stemming from the racist perception that most Brazilians are racially mixed and lack the perceived cultural refinement of other societies.
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