Clube da Esquina, translated as "Corner Club," was a musical movement that emerged in the late 1960s in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The movement was characterized by its eclectic fusion of different musical styles, blending traditional Brazilian sounds with jazz, rock, and classical music.
The movement was born from a group of artists, including Milton Nascimento, Lô Borges, Beto Guedes, Márcio Borges, Wagner Tiso, Toninho Horta, and more, who sought to push the boundaries of Brazilian music and create something new and innovative. They gathered regularly at a bar called "Clube da Esquina" in the city of Belo Horizonte, hence the name of the movement.
5 Best Clube da Esquina Vinyl Records
Clube da Esquina marked a turning point in Brazilian music and was a major influence on other musical movements that followed, such as MPB (Brazilian Popular Music) and Tropicália. Its innovative sound and political activism also made it a symbol of resistance against the military dictatorship that ruled Brazil at the time.
Here are 5 of the best albums of the Clube da Esquina movement you should consider adding to your brazilian vinyl record collection:
1. "Clube da Esquina" (1972) by Milton Nascimento and Lô Borges
This self-titled album is considered a cornerstone of the Clube da Esquina musical movement, which was a major influence on Brazilian music in the 1970s. The album features a mix of MPB (Brazilian Popular Music), rock, jazz, and folk, with Nascimento's powerful, emotive voice and Borges's intricate acoustic guitar playing leading the way. Standout tracks on the album include "Tudo Que Voce Podia Ser," "Um Girassol da Cor do Seu Cabelo," and "Clube da Esquina 2." The album was a critical and commercial success, and remains a highly influential and celebrated release in Brazilian music.
2. "Geraes" (1974) by Milton Nascimento
This is considered one of the landmark albums of Brazilian popular music and has been widely praised for its innovative blend of traditional Brazilian sounds and elements of jazz, rock, and classical music. The album features Nascimento's distinctive voice and poetic lyrics, and includes several classic tracks such as "Coração de Estudante" and "Beija-Flor." "Geraes" was a commercial and critical success and helped solidify Nascimento's reputation as one of Brazil's most important and influential musicians.
3. "Lo Borges" (1972)
This album marked Borges' solo debut and showcased his innovative style, which combined Brazilian and classical music with rock and jazz. It is considered a classic of the Brazilian MPB (Brazilian Popular Music) genre, and one of the key works of the Clube da Esquina movement. Showcases Borges' songwriting skills and innovative musical arrangements. "Lô Borges" was well received by critics and fans alike, and remains one of the most influential and important albums of the Clube da Esquina movement.
4. "Amor de Índio" (1978) by Beto Guedes
"Amor de Índio" is the second studio album by Brazilian singer-songwriter and guitarist Beto Guedes. It was released in 1977 and became one of his most popular and critically acclaimed albums. The album features Beto's signature style of melodic, emotional and poetic songs, often inspired by his love for nature. The album showcases Beto's virtuosity as a guitarist and his ability to create deeply moving music that speaks to the soul. With its fusion of traditional Brazilian music and progressive rock, "Amor de Índio" remains a timeless classic of Brazilian music and continues to be celebrated as one of Beto's greatest works.
5. "Clube da Esquina 2" (1972) by Milton Nascimento, Lô Borges, and others
"Clube da Esquina 2" is the second album by Brazilian singer-songwriter Milton Nascimento and guitarist Lô Borges, released in 1972. It is considered a classic of MPB (Brazilian Popular Music) and is often regarded as one of the best Brazilian albums of all time. The album marked the arrival of a new generation of musicians and songwriters who sought to innovate and expand the boundaries of traditional MPB music. "Clube da Esquina 2" is known for its mix of MPB, jazz, rock, and features some of Milton Nascimento's most memorable songs. The album was released by Odeon Records and is widely available on CD, LP and digital platforms.
Should you add Clube da Esquina Vinyl Records to your collection?
In the rich panorama of Brazilian music, few movements shine as brightly as the “Clube da Esquina.” Its meteoric rise and profound impact on Brazil’s musical landscape cannot be overstated. For those who immerse themselves in the vinyl culture, especially enthusiasts of Brazilian sounds, the “Clube da Esquina” collection is not just a recommendation, it’s an essential. Each vinyl from the “Clube da Esquina” era encapsulates a period of intense creativity, collaboration, and musical innovation that is both timeless and deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Brazil.
Possessing a vinyl record from the “Clube da Esquina” movement is akin to holding a piece of Brazilian music history in one’s hands. The tactile experience of placing the needle on these records and letting the harmonies play, feeling every nuance and beat, offers an incomparable journey back to a golden age of music. As customers of Taioba Records, curating a personal collection without the inclusion of “Clube da Esquina” would be akin to missing a significant chapter of Brazil’s musical narrative.
Furthermore, the resurgence of vinyl culture underscores the value of authentic, raw sound - something that the “Clube da Esquina” movement encapsulates perfectly. The intricate compositions, the delicate balance of instruments, and the profound lyrical depth of “Clube da Esquina” tracks are all enhanced when experienced in the vinyl format. These are not just songs, but stories, emotions, and memories pressed into grooves.
In wrapping up, if you’re a discerning collector or simply someone passionate about Brazilian music, overlooking the significance of “Clube da Esquina” would be a missed opportunity. Taioba Records, with its specialization in Brazilian music, invites you to delve deeper into this iconic movement. Let the “Clube da Esquina” vinyls spin, and allow yourself to be transported to the bustling streets and vibrant nights of Brazil, where this legendary musical brotherhood first found its voice.