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In his native Brazil, Kassin is a sought-after producer (Bebel Gilberto), bass player (Caetano Veloso), and musical director (Orchestra Imperial, a new-twist samba band that plays for audiences of up to 40,000). But outside Brazil, he is best known as one of that mysterious trio known as “+2” who released three albums on Luaka Bop, each identified by a different leader: Moreno (Veloso, Caetano’s son) +2, Domenico (Lancellotti) +2, and –  the last of the series, released in 2008 – (Alexandre) Kassin +2. The +2’s toured the world, collaborated with royalty of the indie rock world like John McEntire (Tortoise) and Sean O’Hagan (High Llamas), and called it a day after completing their high-concept trilogy.

Kassin’s first songwriting project since the +2’s, and his first proper solo release, is likewise a concept album: a set of songs about dreams. This is no routine mishmash of oneiric whimsy, however; Kassin’s unconscious turns out to be both lucid and precise. He dreams (and therefore sings) about eating zebra (“Natural World”) and bananas (“Potassium”); about losing cell phone signal (“Out of Service”) and his heart (“When You Are Dancing Samba”); about sex in a handicapped bathroom (“Gym Pants”), and the similarities between ice cream and bodily fluids (“Absorb You”). It is a journey as deadpan as it is surprising. And you can dance to the whole thing.

Previously available only in Brazil, Sonhando Devagar [Dreaming Slowly] is now released for the first time anywhere on LP (download code also included), in a gorgeous 3-D gatefold sleeve. 3-D glasses included to help you read the fantastic lyrics in both Portuguese and English.

Reviews of Kassin’s last album with the +2′s, Futurismo
7.5 from Pitchfork:
http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/11392-futurismo/
8/10 from Spin:
http://www.spin.com/reviews/kassin2-futurismo-luaka-bop/
Four stars from Allmusic:
http://www.allmusic.com/album/futurismo-mw0001089853
Three stars from the Guardian:
http://www.theguardian.com/music/2007/apr/13/worldmusic.shopping1