Tom Zé (born 1936 in Irará, Bahia) is a Brazilian singer-songwriter and experimental musician associated with Tropicalia. Active since the 1960s, he is noted for inventive instruments, found-sound techniques and a blend of popular northeast traditions with avant-garde approaches. David Byrne helped bring him international attention with a Luaka Bop release.

Born Antônio José Santana Martins in 1936 in Irará, Bahia. Associated with the Tropicalia movement and active since the 1960s. Rediscovered internationally in the early 1990s by David Byrne (Luaka Bop release Brazil Classics 4: The Best of Tom Zé). Known for experimental instrumentation, found objects and mixing tradition with avant-garde approaches.

DeBaser reviews present Tom Zé as an experimental, tradition-aware figure of Tropicalia. Reviewers praise his mix of rhythm, melody and noise, his inventive instruments and found-sound approach. David Byrne's 1990s reissue (Luaka Bop/Brazil Classics 4) is noted as a rediscovery moment. Key albums discussed include The Best Of, Danç-Êh-Sá and The Hips of Tradition.

For:Listeners of Brazilian music, experimental/avant-garde music fans, readers interested in Tropicalia and inventive sound art.

 He knows how to start: a hypnotic ferocity in media res...

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 These "dances of the heirs of sacrifice" are also war songs, but since each of them celebrates the revolt of a minority against the conquerors (the 1673 rebellion of the Paiaiá Indians against the first colonizers, the 1835 rebellion of the Malê Muslim slaves in Bahia, the struggles of the Nagô of Maranhão), perhaps they should, unlike the American ones, be listened to and danced by all peoples subjugated by a foreign ruler.

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 Fabulous encounter between tradition and modernity, between playfulness and melancholy, between dissonance and light, by someone who "stood in the storm and slept in a hurricane."

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