Chico Science & Nação Zumbi (CSNZ) : The Funkiest Band You've Never Heard

Usually the reaction when I play folks CSNZ is bewilderment that something THIS GOOD exists. Often they simply laugh when it catches them completely off guard. Whatever the opinion, it is almost unanimously that this is something almost unearthly and something that would be nigh on impossible to replicate even with the most skilled musicians. Like nearly all my favourite bands, this is the bands playing as if their lives depended on it and representing where they live, grew up and what makes them who they are. In this case, Chico Science and his assembled gang from Recife, Brazil- a Percussion Heavy, Groove Orientated music unique (at that point only to them) christened 'Mangue Beat'. Traditional 'Maracatu' Music fused with hip hop, Punk, Funk and Rock and whatever the hell else seems right - you can spot a sample from The Fall in one track if you listen hard enough.

On Feb 2 1997, the band was dealt a hideously cruel blow when Chico was killed in a motor accident en route to a major headline show in Recife. The band continue from strength to strength without their charismatic frontman as Nacao Zumbi having released 4 more albums and a DVD. None of the releases are below par and I'll happily sing the praises of any of those releases. Metal Heavyweight Max Cavalera has been one of the most vocal supporters of the band and whose first album under the Soulfly name featured the considerable talent of NZ's Jackson Bandeira on Guitar. On the Posthumous CSNZ release the band tore through a considerably brutal take on Sepultura's 'Refuse Resist' - interesting to consider what the lightweight 'world music' stages they were often booked for would make of that. David Byrne is also a great supporter and collaborated (albeit posthumously) on CSNZ material as did Drum n Bass figure Goldie who recorded 'Chico, Death of a Rock Star' in tribute, the strongest track to his second album and a stirring tribute.

They will always be one of my favourite bands. It took me forever to locate their entire discography, but that seems to be the case with all the bands I love (Spazz and Bastard Noise not withstanding). I can talk until I'm blue in the face and I still get infuriated at peoples lack of passion for finding incredible music . I love these guys with all my heart and I dearly hope you can track down some of their material if this sounds like it might float your boat.

CSNZ Discography:

1994 Da Lama Ao Caos

1996 Afrociberdelia

1998 CSNZ (Posthumous)

Nacao Zumbi Discography:

2000 Radio S.amb.A

2002 Nacao Zumbi

2005 Futura

2007 Fome De Tudo

The Nacao Zumbi DVD 'Propagando' was released in 2004 through Trama.

http://www.nacaozumbi.com.br/

Todays Playlist:

Randy Holden - Population II

Rolling Stones - Exile On Main St

Augustus Pablo - King David's Melody

Metallica - Live Shit Binge & Purge

Large Professor - The LP

Crowbar - Time Heals Nothing