AllMovie

The documentary World Music Portraits: Carlinhos Brown studies the life and accomplishments of the title figure, one of the late 20th century's foremost innovators of Afro-Bahian pop. The program follows Brown back to his Salvadorian roots to examine the society and culture from which he evolved as a musical force. It reveals how Brown established himself with equal impact as a percussionist, composer, and vocal talent throughout the '80s (he has seen over 200 of his compositions interpreted by fellow artists such as Sérgio Mendes, Cássia Eller, Marisa Monte, and Daniela Mercury). It also covers his formation of percussion band the Timbalata in the '90s, with well over 120 vocalists and musicians. Most significantly, it draws close attention to Brown's social work -- which he devoted to bringing relief to the impoverished children of El Salvador. As a bonus, the overview includes extensive performance footage of Brown before a packed house in Salvador, Bahia, and exclusive up-close interviews in which he discusses his life journey and philosophies, particularly his idea of "rescuing" others through music.