On Pedro Moraes’ album “Claroescuro,” the Brazilian singer-songwriter revives the brilliance of the 1970s’ pop heyday of his native land with his embodiment of earthy samba grooves, lusophone lyricism and folk fun. Now, the artist is bringing his brand of heady tropicalismo to the U.S., with a tour that brings him to Philadelphia for two dates in September, both as part of the Philadelphia Film and Music Festival.

For his first U.S. tour, Moraes will be backed by a coterie of premier musicians who have performed with everyone from Amy Winehouse and Angelique Kidjo (bassist Patrice Blanchard) to Hiromi and Esperanza Spalding (drummer Mauricio Zottarelli).

From the great Portuguese and Spanish poets to the Catalan fishing shanties and street parties of Rio, Moraes paints evocative portraits with his music where carnival and samba meet the poetic and spiritual. His penchant for subtlety and richness, even with an admitted playfulness in the mix, is enhanced by his incorporation of other Latin dance genres like salsa and tango.

“I want to be natural and simple, and at the same time, I want to open new windows to the soul,” Moraes reflects, of his music. “It’s about finding a place of transcendence.”

Moraes will perform at The Blockley, 38th and Chestnut streets, on Sept. 24, on a bill with the West Philadelphia Orchestra.

Show time: 9 p.m.

He will perform Sept. 25 at the Girard Avenue Outdoor Stage, Girard Avenue and Second Street, as part of the festival.

Show time: 1 p.m.