Released in 2007 (Biscoito Fino), “Saraivada”, his third record, brings the essence of Chico to beyond the title of the album. From the union between his musical course as composer-guitar-player and the experiences gathered with group A Barca – that since 1998 have engaged in incursions inside Brazil researching and moving the music of Brazilian traditional cultures – emerges Saraivada. This CD also marks the moment when Chico Saraiva starts including his own voice as a new element in his music. Chico’s singing reveals itself – more and more – as agreeable as his soft, refined guitar sound already known to the public.
From the beginning the CD shows the mix of the composer’s experiences. While the first track “Coco”, an amazing instrumental piece, naturally reminds one of the guitar-player featuring in the previous albums, on the second track, “Na Virada da Costeira”, the listener encounters the wonderful voices of Vozes da Irmandade do Rosário de Justinópolis (Minas Gerais) along with Chico’s voice, revealing the influence gathered along his musical trips across the country. The choir also participates in “Moçambique”, a song composed by Chico and Makely Ka, and in ““Estrela do Oriente”, with partner Paulo César Pinheiro.
All the tracks on the CD disclose the rich intertwining of musical influences. Following the trend, this CD has many special musical guest stars, whether in composition partnerships whether in the recording. Ceumar shares the microphone with Chico in “Pássaro-flor”, composition of Chico Saraiva and Chico César. In the following track, Marcelo Pretto, a member of group A Barca appears to sing together “De Butuca na Cozinha”, composed with Mauro Aguiar. Mauro also composed with Chico “Startrek de Tacape” that counts on the special participation of Banda Cabaçal Padre Cícero of Mestre Miguel.
Another singer who had been working with Chico and who also performs in Saraivada is Verônica Ferriani, in “Canto do Rei”, composed by Saraiva and Paulo César Pinheiro, as well as in “Na Virada da Costeira” and “Estrela do Oriente”. The partnerships with Verônica and Mauro were so positive that she would be chosen as the main voice in the following album by Chico and Mauro, composition partner in all the tracks. Luiz Tatit appears in the compositions “Sombra” and “O Tamanho da Tristeza”. To complete the list of guest stars is A Barca in “Estrela do Oriente”.
The album brings together with “Coco” – which would have a version with lyrics by Kiko Dinucci just after release – two other instrumental tracks, “Ponto” and “Saraivada”; the latter whose name is the title of the CD was created by Chico in homage to his master Guinga.
It is the kind of work to be appreciated with attention and devotion. The wealth of Brazilian rhythms finds a proficient sieve. Chico Saraiva makes that synthesis when he composes music – an internal process of globalization comes out to show Brazilians Brazil’s sound.
Beto Feitosa – Ziriguidum Website, 2007
“In the instrumental or in the lyricized music, he confirms his mastery of the various branches of Brazilian music, such as samba and coco. This is a step forward in the career of Saraiva, the composer in permanent evolution.”
Luis Fernando Viana – Folha de São Paulo Newspaper, 2007
“Awarded the Prêmio Visa de MPB – Edição Compositores (Visa Prize of Brazilian Popular Music – Composers) – in 2003, Chico plays the refined guitar and uses the instrument to explore several rhythms of the Brazilian music. Although most of the tracks have lyrics, the singing does not stand out in relation to the strength of the instrumental arrangements that reinforce the artist’s identity.”
Júlio Assis