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As influenced by Run-DMC and the B-52's as the MPB (Musica Popular Brasileira) of his native Brazil, surreal sample collagist Curumin releases his second album, JapanPopShow, to wildly satisfied bloggers the world over!

Curumin, aka Luciano Nakata Albuquerque, grew up in 1970s Sao Paulo, running wild in the streets with his brother, the pair gorging themselves on everything from Jorge Ben to Devo to Bebeto. Soon, the upstart Curumin was playing percussion and forming rock bands, such as ZU, which appeared in the city's top clubs. By 16 he was a keyboard threat.

Curumin eventually enrolled at the prestigious music school Gaviões da Fiel, where he was exposed to the 40-year history of MPB. Curumin and two friends quickly formed Zomba, a band devoted to Brazilian music and classic funk, replete with brass, percussion and a DJ. Zomba were widely praised, spurring a resurgence of interest in the ‘70s Brazilian sound in Sao Paulo.

Touring his first solo album, 2005's Achados E Perdidos, Curumin came to the attention of Californian hip-hop duo Blackalicious. Curumin made his debut U.S. performance during CMJ 2005, and went on to tour the states, including the M3 Conference, the World Music Festival in Chicago and as part of the Quannum Ao Vivo tour. The album's Tudo Bem Malandro was featured on Big Change: Songs For FINCA, compiled by world music aficionado Natalie Portman.

JapanPopShow mashes Brazil cultures both traditional and modern, with an edgy, alluring zeal that will make hipsters spin and old schoolers sigh. "Compacto" recalls the nature boy acoustic zen of Jorge Ben. "Salto No Vácuo Com Joelhada" twinkles star-bright with eerie keyboard samples, a spooky vocal chorus, lone trumpet and a savage hip-hop groove. "Sambito (Totaru Shock)" rushes the wind with bossa nova guitar, blissful drumming and a large-hearted snare drum sample that socks it home. Complete with quirky Farfisa organ and a smooooth vocal from Curumin, "Sambito (Totaru Shock)" masterfully combines Brazilian style with contemporary Pro Tools editing, JapanPopShow (which includes Blackalicious and Lateef the Truthspeaker, among other guests) defies its electronic gizmo origins, breathing with the life of those (both native and elsewhere) who love Brazil and regularly inhale its rich cultural legacy.

Curumin
"Compacto" (mp3)
from "JapanPopShow"
(Quannum Projects)

Buy at Pre-order from Insound
More On This Album

Curumin
"Salto No Vácuo Com Joelhada" (mp3)
from "JapanPopShow"
(Quannum Projects)

More On This Album

Curumin
"Sambito (Totaru Shock)" (mp3)
from "JapanPopShow"
(Quannum Projects)

More On This Album

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