Procissão (2:29)

Procissao is a classic Gilberto Gil anthem, one that helped to solidify his place in the pantheon of Brazilian Popular Music (MPB). The tune is a wonderful exposition with culturally rich lyrics and rhythms. One of the influences you hear on the track is the use of electric guitar in a very original way, to create a modern, international sound for a song dealing with quite specific themes linked to the culture of northeastern Brazil. This song captures Gil’s mastery of using sounds from many musical traditions, and putting them together in a way that rocks, sways and moves listeners. Many place Gilberto Gil in the same musical realm as Stevie Wonder, because both have grown a fantastically original - and effective - musical language from deep, established roots within their own cultures and countries, respectively. From those roots, both have branched out and emerged as true global artists in the best sense of the phrase. To understand the power of Gil’s music, one can listen to the many wonderful versions of Procissao, and see how his songs can capture such a range of textures through different arrangements and interpretations.