In 1989, I bought a fascinating compilation of forro music from Brazil, Music For Maids And Taxi Drivers (Rounder Records, USA/Globestyle, UK). The music on it bubbled with an infectious dance beat that was created by sanfona (accordion), zabuma (big bass drum) and metal triangle.
Forro music comes from the dusty, dry northeastern region of Brazil and the genre encompasses three main rhythms, the classic syncopated Baiao, the polka inspired Xote and the fast-paced Arrasta-pe. I was instantly hooked to this catchy, irresistible music. For the classic era of this music, check out the music of Luiz Gonzaga.
In recent years, an electronic variant of forro has emerged -- pisadinha (sometimes called piseiro), which has become popular all over Brazil due to the success of musicians like Joao Gomes, Os Baroes da Pisadinha and Ze Vaqueiro.
