Inspired by the Afro-Brazilian rhythms of maracatu, the foremost diasporic band of the Mangue Bit movement of Northeast Brazil, NATION BEAT has created an incredible, fresh new sound. Which nation, and which beat? What makes this group special is that it offers no simple answers. They are rhythm gatherers, harvesting the fruit of 500 years of cultural cross-breeding, which is why the sounds of the northeast of Brazil and the southern United States blend together so seamlessly; NPR music writer Banning Eyre calls them "the most original and alluring fusion group I have heard in years." In 2005, Nation Beat became the first North American group to collaborate and record with an authentic maracatu "nation," the legendary Estrela Brilhante of Recife led by Mestre Walter and rhythm master Jorge Martins.

BREAKING NEWS: Arriving July 15th in stores everywhere, Legends of the Preacher brings Nation Beat's trademark maracatu-rock to the next level. This cutting-edge, 21st century fusion between Brazil and New Orleans second line rhythms, Appalachian-inspired bluegrass music, funk, rock, and country-blues required just the right sort of band. Conjuring the spirit of powerful and liberated carnival queens, rising Brazilian star Liliana Araujo, a recent finalist on Brazil’s “American Idol” spin-off program FAMA now fronts the ensemble with her soaring powerhouse vocals.