Axé Music

Axé (ah-SHEY) Music (yes, the term does incorporate the English-language "music", having been denominated as such by a music critic -- Hagamenon Brito -- mindful of the music's influences from the north of the equator) dominates Carnival in Bahia now, having originated in the mid 80's pretty much single-handedly with Luiz Caldas.  Luiz introduced keyboards (hey!...this was the 80's after all!) electric guitars, and etc., into a frothy mixture turbulent with a panoply of rhythms, and the concoction took off hugely with his success Fricote in Bahia's Carnival of 1985.

Fluff and Fineness

And while the music may be frothy, Luiz himself is a remarkable instrumentalist, masterfully playing a range of string, keyboard and percussion instruments.  Following Fricote below is a song of Raimundo Sodré's (Meu Rio, Cadê o Papel) with Luiz playing a very kickass lead guitar...