From Tributes and revivals to Music Charts and rising stars
2025’s Best of Brazilian Music Showcase! Ring out the old, and bring in the best singles, albums, videos, and stories!
Welcome to our annual ‘Year In Review’: The Best of Brazilian Music Showcase for 2025! Plus the best stories and memorable milestones of the past 12 months.
Our monthly Music Charts debuted in July, to track and rank the top performing songs, artists, and albums as voted by fans and listeners like you. You’ll see the results below.
- Listen to The Best of Brazilian Music ’25 broadcast on The Sounds of Brazil, through January 11, 2026. Playlist
- Join our e-letter list and read a current issue.
Connect Brazil is here to serve fans of Brazilian music and to support the artists and labels who create the music we love. 2026 marks the 26th anniversary of our streaming station, and that’s where you are sure to hear next year’s ‘Best of’ albums, singles, and musicians!
Happy listening,
Scott Adams, Midday Host
The Sounds of Brazil’s streaming station at Connectbrazil.com
2025’s Best of Brazilian Music Showcase
Eddie Daniels | ‘Vera Cruz’ from To Milton With Love
Eddie Daniels’ To Milton With Love is Connect Brazil’s Album of The Year. Rarely do the stars align for such a project. Daniels’ reimagination of Milton Nascimento’s Courage album from 1969 builds on the vocal passion of the original by channeling the emotion of his instrumental mastery on clarinet, saxophones, and flute.
Then, there’s the ‘hand in glove’ history of the musicians and arrangers, tapped from years of playing together for other Resonance Records sessions. Collectively, they embellish the producer’s vision for a tribute album that is remarkably close to his heart. And critics agree.
Recorded five years into Brazil’s stifling 21-year Dictatorship, the title of Nascimento’s Courage album is key. His lyrics tell stories of hope and resilience. His plaintive voice defined Brazilian humanity. Everyone associated with To Milton With Love mirrors the artistic honesty of these qualities.
Many factors apply to our choice, and it wasn’t the easiest of decisions. But when all aspects of what goes into creating a truly memorable recording are considered, this Brazilian Jazz album is the best of the best.
Let’s take you into the studio for the Producer’s Review of To Milton, With Love here.
Eddie Daniels
Buy ‘To Milton With Love’ here: Amazon Music
Listen free: Brazilian Jazz | The Milton Nascimento Channel | Brazilian Jazz Instrumentals | XODO | Our Streaming Station
Johnny Britt | ‘Cherie Je Taime’ from Midnight In Paris
Five months in the Top Five for Connect Brazil’s Music Charts. Three months at #1. So goes the story of trumpeter, vocalist, and songwriter, Johnny Britt and his first Urban Bossa single, ‘Cherie Je Taime’. 2025’s Song of The Year.
The song made its debut in April’s Brazilian Jazz Appreciation Showcase and hit #1 in July. Back then we wrote: “The effect is a tropical groove so compelling that you can’t help but be drawn in. Britt’s trumpet lays down with sensual expression.”
And that’s only the beginning. The song popped on Social media, capturing the imagination of Brazilian Jazz and Bossa Nova fans everywhere. The happy result? Johnny Britt’s ‘Cherie Je T’aime’ made it to Grammy consideration for Best Global Music Performance.
As the youngest Music Director for The Temptations, Britt has great roots. So, we weren’t surprised to learn that he’s already working on his next album. He promises to include a new Urban Bossa or two for fans like us.
What about a ‘sneak peek’? “Nope, not gonna do it,” he said. ‘But it’s gonna blow you away!” ‘Cherie Je T’aime’ is on Johnny Britt’s French-inspired and latest album Midnight In Paris.
- Johnny Britt has an impressive relationship with the Temptations. Learn more about him with our 10 Questions With Johnny Britt.
Johnny Britt
Buy it here: Amazon Music | Apple Music | Spotify
Listen free on: Bossa Nova Love Affair | Brazilian Jazz | New Music: Brazil | Our Streaming Station
Gregory Abbott – ‘Brazil Is Inside Of Me’ (Como Em Casa)
It was a little over two years ago that a message from Gregory Abbott arrived. It turns out that he’s an avid listener to our streaming station because of his love of Brazil. And it inspired him to record ‘Whisper The Words’, an intimate love song with a breezy, sensual Bossa vibe. It also features smooth guitar play from Chieli Minucci of Special EFX.
This year, Abbott returned with ‘Brazil Is Inside Of Me (Como Em Casa)’, which topped our Music Charts in October and November. It’s a musical travelogue for Rio de Janeiro that is so inviting, so compelling, that it does everything but pack your bags and hand you a boarding pass.
Here’s how he opens the song: “Soaring high in the clouds. First time to Rio. The emerald waters reaching for the sky. I’d always heard of the Christ on Corcovado, protecting the bay below with arms held wide.”
Yes, Gregory Abbott loves to play with our imagination. That’s been true ever since ‘Shake You Down’ went Platinum in 1986. 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of his classic and eternal love song. My, how time flies. But our love of Brazil never grows old.
Bags are at the door, Gregory!
Read the passionate story behind this song!
Gregory Abbott
Buy it here: Amazon Music | Bandcamp | SoundCloud | Apple Music | Spotify
Listen free on: Bossa Nova Love Affair | Brazilian Jazz | XODO | New Music: Brazil | Our Streaming Station
2025’s Best of Brazilian Music Showcase
Connect Brazil Recommends:
2025’s Best of Brazilian Music Showcase
Cecy Santana – ‘Mas Que Nada’ (The Performance Video)
Did the Holidays bring more worries than flurries? Well, you’ve come to the right place, because Brazilian music calms the soul and lifts our spirits. And that’s where Cecy Santana comes in.
“I’ve always loved the idea of singing a cappella, and I’ve wanted to do a song – my song – like Bobby McFerrin’s ‘Don’t Worry Be Happy’,” she told us earlier this year. “So, I thought, Why not do both?”
The idea evolved into ‘Smile’, one of 2025’s best Brazilian Jazz singles. It’s an impressive reminder of the power of positivity. And everything you hear in the song is exclusively Cecy Santana’s voice. The video also introduces us to her family. It’s the warmth of Brazil.
Cecy is already deep into planning a follow-up for 2026. Until then, click or tap the video to see her on-stage tribute to Sergio Mendes. And why not catch Cecy Santana ‘Live’ in Chicago sometime? She’d love to see you smile!
Cecy Santana
Buy it here: Amazon Music
Listen free: XODO | New Music: Brazil | Women Of Brazilian Song | Our Streaming Station
Michael Ross | ‘Agua De Beber’ from the EP The Tribute
January 25, 2026 begins the official countdown for Connect Brazil’s Antonio Carlos Jobim Centennial Celebration. As the days approach you’re sure to hear plenty of Jobim fan favorites on our streaming station and music channels.
And that includes this one: Released in late August, Michael Ross’s ‘Agua De Beber’ is our choice for Top Trending Song of 2025. It’s #1 on our Music Charts this month.
We don’t take the word unique lightly, but it apples here. Fans love Ross’s contemporary Urban Bossa take on this Jobim evergreen. Did you know that ‘Agua de Beber’ is ranked among the Top 10 of Jobim’s best songs?
You’ll find it on Michael Ross’s The Tribute EP, along with his take on Joe Sample’s ‘A Rainy Day In Monterey’.
Top-ranked hits are helping to make Michael Ross a household name for Urban Bossa. Instrumentals like ‘Hot In Brazil’ and ‘Four Seasons To Cross’. From ‘Secret Entrance To Your Heart’ (the ‘most played song’ for our format) to the smooth energy of ‘Agua De Beber’.
Add it to your playlists and read the surprising story behind the song and how it inspired Michael Ross to create his version. And watch for a new video coming in the New Year.
You’ll find the complete story, along with Michael’s surprising (and legendary) inspiration for ‘Agua De Beber’ here.
Michael Ross
Buy it here: Amazon Music | Linktree
Listen free: XODO | New Music: Brazil | Bossa Nova Love Affair | Our Streaming Station
Sorriso Maroto | ‘Lucidez’ from Sorriso Eu Gosto No Pagode Vol.3
If you are a regular listener to our streaming station at Connect Brazil, your ears have probably perked up to a compelling kind of Brazilian pop called Pagode (pah-GOD-gee).
Pagode carries many of Samba’s traditions but with a contemporary sound. Brazilians worldwide have embraced it’s smooth and passionate style for decades. It’s a fresh and exciting part of our daily playlists.
At the very top is the five-member acoustic group, Sorriso Maroto (Mischievous Smile) which expands to include a swinging horn section and special guest vocalists for live and studio performances.
To celebrate their 25th anniversary, Sorriso Maroto recorded four albums under the title Sorriso Eu Gosto No Pagode. And Volume 3 made history, receiving international acclaim.
A tribute to the legendary Samba group Fundo de Quintal, the band made a bold decision to record at London’s famed Abbey Road studios. In fact, it became a ‘live in-studio’ recording, the first of its kind in the history of the storied studio that birthed the Beatles throughout the 60s.
It went on to win this year’s Latin Grammy for Best Samba/Pagode Album.
Overall, this four-album series resulted in several platinum- and diamond-selling albums, and billions of plays worldwide. If this is your introduction to Pagode, you couldn’t have picked a better time. Enjoy the music!
Sorriso Maroto
Buy it here: Amazon Music
Listen free: XODO! | Brazilian Jazz | Bossa Nova Love Affair | New Music: Brazil | Our Streaming Station
2025’s Best of Brazilian Music Showcase
Connect Brazil Recommends:
2025’s Best of Brazilian Music Showcase
Antonio Adolfo | ‘A Lua E Dos Namorados’ from Carnaval – The Songs Were So Beautiful
Brazilian Jazz fans owe a heartfelt cheer to pianist and arranger Antonio Adolfo. Each year, he releases an impressive new album for listeners like us to enjoy.
2025 is no exception. Carnaval – The Songs Were So Beautiful is his most ambitious – and rewarding – project to date. In fact, the song ‘A Lua E Dos Namorados’ is our choice for Record of The Year. It is a 5-star example of Adolfo’s talent.
From the arrangements to the engineering and final mix, these songs from Carnaval’s Golden Age are reborn to be appreciated once again.
The title pulls our attention to his musical focus. First, Adolfo handpicked these nine songs, spanning eight decades of musical history. Secondly, he has dedicated himself to mastering the art of arranging for his jazz ensembles.
Our choice for Record of The Year is also meant to acknowledge the talent and virtuosity of each of the musicians involved.
Adolfo’s imagination and intuitive skill pays off with Carnaval. It is the only Brazilian Jazz instrumental album of 2025 to consistently rank on Connect Brazil’s Top 10.
CD copies of Carnaval – The Songs Were So Beautiful are distributed by Bandcamp and available on all major platforms.
There’s more (much more) to explore on Antonio Adolfo’s homepage.
Antonio Adolfo
Buy it here: Bandcamp | Amazon Music | Antonio Adolfo Music | YouTube Music | Apple Music | Pandora
Listen free: Brazilian Jazz | Brazilian Jazz Instrumentals | New Music: Brazil | Our Streaming Station
Sérgio Britto with Roberto Menescal | ‘O Barquinho’ from Mango Dragon Fruit
Rule #1: Music should make you feel good. One of 2025’s best musical surprises came to us in early May from Sérgio Britto, singer with the Brazilian Rock group Titãs.
Short but sweet, Mango Dragon Fruit is an impressive mix of musical styles and special guests. Included on this album are Bebel Gilberto, Ed Motta, Fernanda Takai, and pioneering Bossa Nova songwriter, Roberto Menescal.
At 88, Menescal’s duet on his song ‘O Barquinho’ is most surprising of all. Britto’s vibrant vocal starts off with Menescal’s guitar topping an edgy Bossa backbeat to reinvent this Zona Sul evergreen on the fly.
Menescal’s vocal mirrors the moment when he joins for the second stanza and beyond. Two minutes and fifty-three seconds pure, musical fun. And one of the best renditions of ‘The Little Boat’ we’ve heard in quite a while.
You’re sure to hear more from Mango Dragon Fruit as the New Year unfolds.
Sérgio Britto
Buy it here: Amazon Music
Listen free: Listen free: XODO! | Brazilian Jazz | Bossa Nova Love Affair | New Music: Brazil | Our Streaming Station
2025’s Best of Brazilian Music Showcase
Azymuth | ‘Belenzinho’ from Marca Passo
If you’ve been keeping track at home like we have, it’s been exactly 9 years, four weeks and several hours since the Brazilian Jazz group Azymuth released a studio album. Well, give or take a little while.
Fênix was released on December 2, 2016 and much has happened to this world famous Brazilian jazz group since. Two of this talented trio have passed. Keyboardist José Roberto Bertrami in 2012 and drummer Ivan “Mamão” Conti two years ago.
But then something that rarely happens with Brazil’s “What’s next?” culture actually… happened. Azymuth re-formed around founding bassist Alex Malheiros and it brought the group’s beloved signature Cosmic Samba Funk sound with them.
Marca Passo (“Keeping The Beat”) introduces keyboardist Kiko Continentino (nephew of saxophonist Leo Gandelman) and drummer Renato Massa to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Azymuth’s self-titled debut album from 1975. And happily, just like the return of the Phoenix, the group’s musical evolution continues. There’s not a bad track on this album.
So, kudos to London’s Far Out Records for releasing Marca Passo, Connect Brazil’s Newsmaker of The Year for 2025.
Azymuth
- Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | X (Twitter)
Buy it here: Amazon Music
Listen free: Cafe Copacabana | Brazilian Jazz | Brazilian Jazz Instrumentals | New Music: Brazil | Bossa Nova Love Affair | Sunday Brazilian Brunch | Our Streaming Station
Phillip Doc Martin | ‘Hermosa’ (It’s Only Her)
Bossa Nova is the heartbeat for all that we do at Connect Brazil. It’s been that way since Day One because we recognized its worldwide appeal with no need for translation.
And yet, Bossa Nova thrives because of it. Cultures, countries, languages and generations keep reinventing the Bossa Beat to feed its musical vitality to an ever-expanding universe of fans. And that’s where this song by Beltway saxophonist Phillip Doc Martin comes into play.
There’s no mistaking the vibe that Martin envisioned for ‘Hermosa’ (It’s Only Her). Smooth Bossa rhythms rise up from the surf to set a tranquil tone as Martin’s melody unfolds, even teasing us with a fleeting musical cue from Grover Washington Jr.
With nine albums released, Martin is a #1 charting artist on Billboard and masterful at his craft. He is one of many contemporary and Smooth Jazz musicians who include Bossa Nova in their repertoire.
There should be more. And whenever they appear, you’re sure to hear them here. Thank you, Doc!
Phillip Doc Martin
Buy it here: Amazon Music
Listen free: XODO | New Music: Brazil | Brazilian Jazz | Bossa Nova Love Affair | Sunday Brazilian Brunch | Brazilian Jazz Instrumentals | Our Streaming Station
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2025’s Best of Brazilian Music Showcase
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