A Brazilian display of raw energy

SEU Jorge and Badi Assad brought two very different Brazilian music perspectives to the Knitting Factory on Tuesday night, both compelling.

Singer-actor Jorge, his roots tracing back to a childhood as a homeless kid from Brazil’s slums, came to prominence in the gritty movie “City of God,” then as a singing sailor who brought contemporary vigor to a set of David Bowie tunes in “The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou.” Guitarist-singer Assad is a member of the talented Assad family. Like her brothers Sergio and Odair, her music is founded on superb classical abilities, supplemented by a unique vocal style.

Assad opened what turned into a mesmerizing evening exploring the textures and the sheer ebullience of Brazilian music. A gifted guitarist, she has enhanced her solo sets with startling vocal sounds: pops, clicks, wails, shrieks and occasional growls. In her recent work, the stylistic pendulum has swung further toward vocal excursions, intriguing but not always at the high level of artistry typical of her guitar work. Devoting most of her performance to material from her new album, “Verde,” Assad was effective with such buoyant tunes as “My Little White Top,” less so with an unfocused rendering of U2’s “One.” At her best, she further affirmed her singular musical vision.

Jorge followed, his every move greeted with approval from an over-packed house. Blessed with a far-ranging, versatile voice and the dramatic presence -- physically and vocally -- of an actor, he offered readings that transcended language considerations. The intimacy of his emotions and the pointedness of his storytelling reached far beyond the Portuguese language. He worked with his musicians like an actor in an ensemble, with one player after another juxtaposing instrumental commentary against his vocal lines.

Jorge’s three percussionists offered a combined Brazilian jam session/audience set, challenging each other with wild-eyed rhythms, encouraging listeners to engage in vocal call-and-response. Finally, Jorge, Assad and the others came together for an energetic, climactic end to a compelling evening.