T!LT: SESSA

Sergio Sayeg (aka Sessa) is fascinated by the iconic Brazilian Tropicália artists of the late 1960s. Sessa effortlessly blends musical references ranging from rock to jazz, and from samba to soul. Originally from São Paulo (Paulista) but based in New York, Sessa's new album, Pequena Vertigem de Amor (Little Vertigo of Love), expands the sonic universe he has built since his 2019 debut, characterized by the sound of the late-70s Brazilian MPB scene mixed with the psychedelic soul of Sly Stone and Shuggie Otis, without straying from his signature sound of acoustic guitar, Afro-Brazilian percussion, and the dialogue of his distinctive vocals. Much like João Gilberto's legendary return to Bahia before heading back to Rio with an entirely new sound that would be dubbed "bossa nova," Sergio's sabbatical in New York solidified his commitment to the music of his homeland while exposing him to a vast array of musical styles and recording techniques.