Beto Villares

Beto Villares is massively talented: He has the sophisticated instincts of Joao Gilberto mixed with a love of Brazil's hidden musical corners, but the track order on the Brazilian edition didn't set that off. On the American edition, the Six Degrees label front-loaded Beto Villares with sumptuous songs featuring guests like Fernanda Takai (on the velvety "Incerteza") and Brazilian protege CeU ("Nacao Postal"). Mmm. When the more experimental tracks show up later in the set, you're receptive -- even delighted -- instead of put off.