Joyce: The Essential Joyce

Joyce began her recording career in Brazil in 1968, since then she has carved out a niche as one of the most admired and talented singer songwriters of her generation. She was, in those days, a rare thing, a woman who wrote and played her own songs—songs which contained a strong feminist slant and which made her somewhat of a controversial figure, and frowned upon by a male dominated music industry which reflected the Brasilian Zeitgeist.

Thankfully times have changed and her music is now recognized for it's vibrant and spirited quality. Her lyrics are the words of a strong character, a woman of spirit commenting on the world around her, and her voice is one of brightness and vivacity. It is perhaps strange then that one of her greatest songs "Aldeia de Ogum" is one without words, her voice used instead as an instrument, scatting over an infectious, uplifting and rhythmic marriage between jazz and Brasilian styles. The song was recorded at the peak of her musical freedom, taken from the album "Feminina" the first recording over which she had complete artistic control.

The Essential Joyce is a celebration of her career to date, perfectly compiled by the folks at London record store/label Mr Bongo. Anyone interested in authentic Brasilian songs would be wise to dip into the world of Joyce, you may find you'll stay immersed for quite some time. During her career she has recorded with the likes of Nana Vasconcelos, Nelson Angelo, Sivuca and Egberto Gismonti all of whom appear here. The music is sensuous, joyful, uplifting and guaranteed to bring the sun out on even the wettest of days.