Brazilian singer-songwriter and educator Ana Pê has recently released a fantastic new record titled Músicas para Brincar Ventar e Voar! (translated as Songs to Play, Blow and Fly! The album is packed to the brim with a vibrant sense of energy and pure childlike wonder, making for a ‘children’s’ album that actually manages to transcend the barriers of age. See what we thought of the album below – you can also find the Spotify stream at the bottom.

By Jane Howkins

Opening the album with an infectious carnival-style energy is Bloco das Crianças, a track which simply bursts into life with vibrant horns and a driving samba style rhythm and beat. The ensemble vocals work perfectly and create an instant invitation to dance and sing to the music, establishing the record’s warm and communal atmosphere from the very start. Up next we have Mãe Natureza, which contains a series of lush MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) harmonies and an upbeat, catchy sound. It’s quite a nice sounding song, with the lyrics also giving a gentle nod to the concept of environmental awareness, without sounding overly preachy.

Meu Corpo, Meu Templo Sagrado is undoubtedly the emotional heart of the project, handling the complicated yet vital topics of body autonomy and consent with grace and respect, written specifically as an address to Ana’s students. However, it still retains a swinging, upbeat groove, sounding both uplifting and age-appropriate, despite the empowering message of setting your own boundaries and self-respect. It introduces more of a rock and roll vibe to Músicas para Brincar Ventar e Voar!, although it’s still pretty catchy overall. I actually found myself reminded a little of Blondie in terms of the music at times!

Quem Disse Que Menino Não Chora? features lyrics that challenge old stereotypes about boys not allowing to show their feelings, which is a very positive thing, in my opinion. The song also includes several characterful vocal interactions from actor Thelmo Fernandes, adding something of a playful and theatrical touch to the bouncy jazz rhythm of the piece. Then we have Espelho, Espelho Meu!, which sees Thelmo returning to this celebratory song, which lyrically is centred around the concepts of self-esteem, diversity and loving yourself – again, another positive message that I love! It’s another jazzy MPB song, with the musical arrangement containing some lovely hooks and a jaunty flute melody that turns the song into a real party atmosphere at times.

Desenho Cego is possibly best described as being lean, creative and utterly imaginative – both in terms of the music and lyrical concepts. The track explores the concept of abstract thinking and art through music, containing a lovely fingerpicked acoustic guitar and a clever dual vocal dynamic between Ana and Bruno Ganem that brings the tempo down, whilst still remaining relatively upbeat. Caminho do Mar is another stripped-down, folky song, leaning instead into the traditional coastal rhythms of Brazil, painting a vivid picture of a day spent by the ocean in the great outdoors.

Passarinho Branco features some fantastic guitarwork from Luiz Brasil (who also contributes to several other songs on the record), shining brightly here. The song is built around a series of delicate acoustic guitar patterns and brings the tempo and pace back up, creative a calm and reflective space on the album that you can still dance to, if you so wish. Gira da Alegria rounds things off nicely, featuring a beat that is very reminiscent of the two-tone and ska scenes. The album closes on a triumphant high note, bringing the full band back together for a joyful and dance-inducing finale. Just try listening to this without wanting to dance and sing along (even if you don’t understand the language)!

All in all, Músicas para Brincar Ventar e Voar! is far more than a typical children’s album, and I suspect many adults will also enjoy it as much as I did (and I’m 33!). Ultimately, Ana Pê has created an absolute a masterclass in heartfelt and educational songwriting, with the album also being backed by a series of top-tier Brazilian musicians and actors. Ana’s educational background has enabled her to be able to treat sensitive subjects with a sense of gentleness, fun and genuine artistic credibility, and I cannot wait to hear what she comes up with next time around!

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