Brazilian troubadour Rogê sets the Annenberg Performance studio at KCRW HQ aglow with a cosmically tropical set of future samba-soul classics. The recent LA-transplant regales us with stripped down takes on songs from his 2023 LP Curyman — his first to be recorded stateside. Settle in for the generous spirit inherent in Curyman cuts including “Camará,” “Pra Vida,” and album standout “Existe Uma Voz.” KCRW’s resident expert in all things Brazil, Ro “Wyldeflower” Contreras, is on hand as well for a freewheeling chat with our guest of honor which moves from the virtues of spending everyday on the beach eating açai bowls, to the Portuguese concept of saudade (roughly translating to longing and melancholy) which Contreras feels woven throughout the fabric of Rogê’s music. Taken all together we’re in the midst of a profound spiritual connection to the ancestors — musical and otherwise. How lovely to be invited.

Elsewhere in today’s MBE you’ll hear further Brazilian inspo from Seu Jorge and Jorge Ben Jor; Montreal artist MUNYA’s smooth-as-silk new electro-pop single “Un Deux Trois;” and Joey Dosik covering Curtis Mayfield.