Brazilian Beat

I am very proud of the music that my country produces. I know we have a variety of rythims and sounds very peculiar and I guess that is what makes the brazilian music so popular and appreciated in all parts of the planet.
Some original instruments mixed with the traditional guitars, bass and drums spice up the brazilian pop music.
I know many people would love to collec some CDs from brazilian groups and singers but it is hard to start so I am putting some hot suggestions in this article.
For those who like Bossa Nova (originally from 1950's and 1960's - the golden era in Brazil), that mellow sound, well, one should look for Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes (kings of Bossa Nova) after that when the country went through tough times of military dictatorship, a new sound came around, it was called Tropicalia, contrasting to the smoothness of the Bossa Nova, this new beat was more agressive and protested against the political conditions. From those times I would like to stress three names that are World wide known: Chico Buarque, Gilberto Gil and the master Caetano Veloso.
Nowadays we can check from different kinds of Brazilian music, from samba to Brazilian rock.
On MPB (Music Popular Brasileira), I strongly suggest Marisa Monte, Milton Nascimento, Touquinho and Joao Gilberto.
On Brazilian Pop / Rock, there is Lulu Santos, Adriana Calcanhoto, Paulinho Moska, Los Hermanos, Paralamas do Sucesso among others.
If one is up for high energy beats, he/she should look for Axe Brasil. It is the kind of music very common to the Carnival times, originally from the northeast of Brazil, the Axe is electrifying. There is no way someone can stand still during a live performance or while the "Trio Eletrico" passes by. Some of the famous bands and singers are Ivete Sangalo, Daniela Mercury, Banda Cheiro de Amor e Carrapicho.
Those are just some examples of good singers and goo bands. if you would like more information or more examples, please don't hesitate to write to me.