V.A. - Café Apres-Midi Roux - 192 kbps - 111 mb (Reup)

I'm always a little hesitant to post any compilations on this page, since I have 18 volumes of my own Samba series that I would like people to try, but I assure you that this is a real treat. I'd like to heap a little praise on the Japanese DJ's. It is the Japanese who bravely get in there and re-issue some very fine rarities. The Burnier & Caritier 1974 set on my page would not even be a topic of discussion if the Japanese had not re-mastered & re-issued it. This 22 track trip through 60's & 70's MPB & international Pop-Rock compiled by Toru Hashimoto for Suburbia Factory is really something to behold. Many fine picks here from super rare LP's. Standouts like "Witchi In Brazil" by Harpers Bizzarre from 1967 or "Eden Rock" by The Fifth Avenue Band from 1969 or "The Mothman Samba" by Hirth Martinez from 1977 are just a few of the gems handpicked from rare & out of print LP's. "Ride The Wind" by The Youngbloods from 1971 at 9 minutes is another pop concept that I stand in awe of, as well as "Magical Connection" by John Sebastian from 1970 & "Golden Sun Goddess" by Jessie Davis also from 1970 are simply amazing musical numbers. I'm presenting this one at 192 kbps & suggest that if find yourself enjoying this then please pick up a copy of this CD. Extremely groovy! I hope you enjoy?

V.A. - Café Apres-Midi Roux

01. I Don't Know What Time It Was - Tony Hatch (1967)
02. One Note Samba - Barney Kessel (1961)
03. The Night We Flew Out The Window - Fantastic Something (1985)
04. Carnival - The Hi-Lo's (1963)
05. Spring Song - Linda Lewis (1973)
06. Haven't We Met - Kenny Rankin (1974)
07. Goodbye, Columbus - The Association (1969)
08. Witchi In Brazil - Harpers Bizzarre (1967)
09. Down In Brazil - Michael Franks (1977)
10. O Morro - Sergio Mendes & Brazil '66 (1965)
11. Eden Rock - The Fifth Avenue Band (1969)
12. The Mothman Samba - Hirth Martinez (1977)
13. Tin Tin Por Tin Tin - Joao Gilberto (1977)
14. The Song Is Ended - Milt Jackson (1956)
15. Buzzin' Fly - Tim Buckley (1969)
16. Ride The Wind - The Youngbloods (1971)
17. Magical Connection - John Sebastian (1970)
18. The Good Humor Man - Love (1967)
19. Golden Sun Goddess - Jessie Davis (1970)
20. I Know Sorrow - Ned Doheny (1973)
21. Sailing - Jo Mama (1970)
22. One Dream - The Dream Academy (1985)

File Under: MPB/ Jazz/ Pop Rock

P.S. This one goes out to our dear friend of this page DJ Greg Caz who like me super enjoys this type of DJ-ing.

Beth Carvalho - Andança [1969 Odeon] 256 kbps - 58 mb

I was quite surprised to not find this LP up on Loronix. I do not have the verso on this album cover, but I can report that it is a very nice slice of late 60's MPB. Her voice is beautiful & the song selections & production are just so enjoyable. This is a nice look at this Samba queen in a more jazz-pop setting before she would emerge into a more Samba oriented singer in the 70's. I really enjoy this session & find her to be in the same territory as Nara Leao or early Joyce in many ways. A sweet debut with many really amazing tracks. Very nice!

Beth Carvalho - Andança [1969 Odeon]
01. Um amor em cada coração (Baden Powell - Vinicius de Moraes)
02. Maria Aninha (Fred Falcão - Paulinho Tapajós)
03. Fechei a porta (Ferreira da Silva - Sebastião Mota)
04. O porto (Renato Rocha)
05. Carnaval (Carlos Elias - Nelson Lins e Barros)
06. Andança (Edmundo Souto - Danilo Caymmi - Paulinho Tapajós)
07. Rumo sul (Edmundo Souto - Paulinho Tapajós)
08. Sentinela (Milton Nascimento - Fernando Brant)
09. Nunca (Lupicínio Rodrigues)
10. Samba do perdão (Baden Powell - Paulo César Pinheiro)
11. Maria da favela (Paulo Sergio Valle - Marcos Valle)
12. Estrela do mar (Marino Pinto - Paulo Soledade)

File Under: MPB

P.S. Perhaps Loronix will grace us with a higher quality rip? We'll see?

Alcione - A Voz do Samba [1975 Philips] 256 kbps - 70 mb (Reup)

An excellent example of mid 70's Samba at it's very best. This very first album by Alcione catches the Samba movement in full swing. There is not one dull moment on this masterpiece. I could listen to this one twice in row it's that good. Very fleshed out song writing, production & performance by all involved. The very spirit of carnival oozes from every number. Don't miss this. Simply amazing!

File Under: Samba

P.S. Some records are just more joy-filled then others. This is one such item!

Hypothesis vs. Fact?

Hypothesis: There seems to be this really nice dance scene over there in Brasil?
Fact: There is!

A special "Thank You" to Toru Hashimoto (Suburbia Factory) from the Café Apres-Midi series for the inspiration for my Samba series cover art.
Since his compilation has 27 tracks & does not follow the LP's in sequential order, I took it upon myself to correct this oversight by using the 5 X 5 grid & laying out the LP's sequentially & limiting the playlist to 24 tracks & leaving the 25th spot for my logo.

Additionally, every one of the Samba Showdowns will rip as a CD. Those of you with Pods, may you find my issues "Pod-Worthy".

Noriel Vilela - Eis O Ome [1968 Copacabana/Odeon] 320 kbps - 77mb

Here's a very nice example of Samba-Pop from 1968 sung by the rich baritone of Noriel Vilea. Beautiful deep voice & a great set of songs. This spins wonderfully & has a fun, festive vibe throughout. A pretty little record. Enjoy!

File Under: MPB/Samba Pop

P.S. This is a Charles Gavin Re-Master from his Re-Issue series. Beautiful Re-Mastering here.

João Nogueira - E Lá Vou Eu [1974 EMI Odeon] 320 kbps - 93 mb

Excellent early João Nogueira LP for the Odeon studios. Many, many fine tracks here. For fans of this artist. Enjoy!

File Under: Samba

P.S. A giant of Samba-Pop. This recording gets better with each listen. I swear.

Rosinha De Valença - Um Violão Em Primeiro Plano [1971 RCA Victor] 256 kbps - 58 mb

Very nice RCA Victor LP by Rosinha De Valença on guitar running through a sweet set of songs like "Asa Branca" & "Zanzibar" by Edu Lobo, "London, London" by Caetano Veloso, "Mudei de Idéia" by Antônio Carlos & Jocafi to name a few. I don't think this has ever been posted on any blogs, so I post it for your pleasure. Enjoy!

File Under: MPB

Nara Leão - Coisas Do Mundo [1969 Philips] 320 kbps - 81 mb

Gee, this is worth having just for the lovely face of Nara Leão looking ever so beautiful on the cover. Well, she sounds as just as great on this very sweet disc from 1969. This may not be to everyones taste, but it is certainly for fans of this excellent vocalist. I even traveled all the way to Rio & picked this up as birthday present to myself about 4 years ago. Lucky me & you too if this is your kind of singer & her tastes suit your style? This is from the box set & is somewhat rare. Also, great re-mastering on this one. Enjoy!

File Under: MPB

P.S. Nara is in a somewhat eclectic style on her 1968 & 1969 sets. Some will like this? This his two bonus tracks. Adding an extra 5 minutes to this 31 minute recording.

Nara Leão - Nara Leão [1968 Philips] 320 kbps - 73 mb

To go with the other lovely Nara LP. This one is the Japanese issue which always means excellent re-mastering. For fans of this artist. Enjoy!

File Under: MPB

Geraldo Vandré - Enciclopédia Musical Brasileira [2000 Warner Brasil] 320 kbps - 105 mb

I really like this artist. First, he has a great voice & secondly his music is gloriously complex. He is an amazing folk singer who also has finger on the pulse of Bossa Nova & Samba Jazz. Os Afro–Sambas De Baden e Vinícius [1966 Forma] by Baden Powell & Vinícius De Moraes is very close in spirit to this recording. This artist is one of the protest singers who spoke out against the dictatorship of the late 60's & it is said that his passionate "Pra Nao Dizer Que Nao Falei Das Flores" became a song which ended this artists career for it's defiant stance against the government & was asked to renounce his song, thereby ending the artist song-writing career. This is also that moment of transition when more of the carnival sounds are being recorded to better & better effect.

This disc here is really the whole of the LP "Hora De Lutar" [1965 Continental] & the excellent "Disparada" from 1967 as track one plus "Pra Nao Dizer Que Nao Falei Das Flores" from 1968 as track 14. Nicely remastered.
This record deserves to be heard. The musical arrangements are amazing & Vandré just soars on top of the fantastic production. Great vocal work & progressive ideas abound on this great recording. Don't miss this.

File Under: MPB/Protest Singer

João Nogueira- Vem Que Tem [1975 EMI Odeon] 320 kbps - 84 mb

Since I love João Nogueira & posted the LP just before this one, then I'll add this as well. These very first LP's by him for EMI Odeon are very fleshed-out Samba recordings. EMI Odeon gives this artist all of the polish that his artistry deserves. This is the 2003 Re-master and sounds great. For fans of this artist.

File Under: Samba

P.S. I put these EMI Odeons together so we can get fix on that studio sound. Crisp!
Also, notice the box of matches in João's hand. A favorite instrument of the sambistas. Tap, tap.

Sonia Lemos - 7 Domingos [1975 Continental] 320 kbps - 73 mb

Well, I can always trust that when our friend of this page Greg passes me an LP that it's sure to be a great one. Sonia Lemos recorded two very nice mid-70's sessions. This one & the follow up "Perola de Agonita" [1976 Continental]. A standard great recording as it mostly the case with mid-70's sessions. I've been falling in love with this album over the past few years. Finding more & more tracks as I continue to discover this fine recording. Thank you Greg for this share. So many winning numbers here!
If you like this genre & this era then you're sure to like this.

File Under: Samba/MPB

P.S. After seeing so little response to a lovely post such as this, then i'll wait just a bit before I present something else.

Saravah For Café Après–midi - V.A. - 320 kbps - 196 mb (reup)

I had this up before, but wanted to share it once again. Since I've already posted an Italian compilation looking at Bossa Nova's influence on Italy, then it's time to look at an important little label out of France run by actor/musician/studio-head Pierre Barouh & his brilliant Saravah imprint. The range here is mindblowing. French Bossa Nova, French Jazz, French Folk, African Pop, French Soul, etc, etc. This is one that I'm still taking in. There are so many good tracks here that I'll just single out a few personal favorites. "On N'a Rien a Faire" by Pierre Barouh is great, swinging French Jazz Pop circa 1966. My other pick is the delicate French Bossa Folk number "Un Jour, Un Papillon" by Joel Favreau from 1970. Very sweet! I'm sure you'll find lots to enjoy here. A nice look at the warm embrace that Bossa Nova received from the French & a whole lot more. Enjoy!


File Under: French Folk-Jazz-Bossa Nova/ World Music

Ederaldo Gentil - Samba, Canto Livre De Um Povo [1975 Chantecler] 224 kbps - 64 mb

As friends of this page know I love mid-70's for all things Samba. This is a perfect example. The debut LP by Ederaldo Gentil. A beautiful album of Sambas. Not one bad song on this very solid spinner. Fans of the song "Dia de festa' will enjoy the composers telling of that composition. I get behind this recording because it just so winning & enjoyable. I hope you agree? Those of you in colder locals will enjoy the sunshine of such a recording on a colder day. Pure sunshine here!

File Under: Samba

P.S. I share this via PRATO E FACA blogspot. So, a big thank you to that page. I just clean things up a bit & suggest this so that it does not go unnoticed.
Not an "In Your Face" type of session, but one that will prove rewarding after a few listens.

Chico Buarque De Hollanda - Chico Buarque de Hollanda Vol.1 [1966 RGE] 256 kbps - 50 mb (reup)

Very confident debut by Chico Buarque De Hollanda. Truly one of the shining lights of that generation of singer/song-writers along with Caetano Veloso, Edu Lobo, Gilberto Gil & Milton Nascimento. Not one bad song on this 12 track, 27 minute spinner. Absolute perfection. Please don't miss this masterpiece. Very, very enjoyable! This baby swings. Strong song-writer!

File Under: MPB

P.S. That I haven't seen one comment on this very fine debut surprises me. Track one "A Banda" is so basic a melody that I'm sure there are green parrots that know the song by heart.

Arnaud Rodrigues - Som Do Paulinho [1976 RCA Victor] 256 kbps - 70 mb (reup)

I bring this LP back to the front to honor the passing of a very talented musical artist, Arnaud Rodrigues. Who was found at sea drowned at age 68 on Feb, 17, 2010.
I really like the work of Arnaud Rodrigues. He has a nice vocal style & a wonderful understated funkiness. This LP mixes many styles to good effect. I guess I would describe this as Samba/Rock/Funk with a nice Forró edge. Some really great tracks here & solid all the way through. I adore what was coming out of not just the RCA studios at this time, but Brasil as a whole.

File Under: MPB/Samba-Rock/Forró

P.S. I'll mention that this artist can be heard to very good effect on "Azambuja & CIA [1975 CID]" & "Baiano E Os Novos Caetanos [1974 CID] & Baiano E Os Novos Caetanos 2 [1975 Som Livre]" as well as this very fine disc. R.I.P. Arnaud and thank you for your contribution to MPB.

Antônio Carlos & Jocafi - Definitivamente [1974 RCA Victor] 320 kbps - 88 mb

I was uncertain about this disc for a long time, but have finally fallen in love with it over time. All songs are penned by this duo except track 11 which is composed by Antônio Carlos & Nonato Buzar. A bit mellower then the 1973 set, but one that grows on you after a few spins. Well, maybe more like 5 or 6 spins. So be patient with this one. I promise a very enjoyable listen here. Full of warmth & imaginative song-writing & subtle embellishment by the RCA studios. Sweet!

Antônio Carlos & Jocafi - Definitivamente [1974 RCA Victor]

01. Dona Flor e Seus Dois Maridos
02. Alarme Falso
03. Chuculatêra
04. Sexto Sentido
05. O poeta e o cobertor
06. Diacho de dor (com Maria Creusa)
07. Maldita hora
08. Terceiro ato (Romance teatral)
09. Meia noite
10. Toró de lágrimas
11. Uma ordem sim sinhô
12. Definitivamente

File Under: MPB/ Samba-Pop/Forró

P.S. This is the BMG issue from 2001 which included the first LP "MUDEI DE IDÉIA", but I offer this LP by itself.

Antônio Carlos & Jocafi - Antônio Carlos & Jocafii [1973 RCA Victor] 256 kbps - 76 mb

Another really excellent slice of MPB served up by the RCA Victor studios featuring Antônio Carlos & Jocafi. Every song written by this fantastic duo. Not one bad song on this masterwork of early 70's Brasilian Samba-Pop. Lovely mixture of styles and really sweet production by the staff at RCA Victor. Too many good tracks for me to single out any one number. A solid spinner & one that gets better with each listen. Promise!

Antônio Carlos & Jocafii [1973 RCA Victor]

01. Teimosa
02. Glorioso Santo Antonio
03. Dona Da Casa
04. Gamelera (As Moca)
05. Sanfona Veia
06. Deixe Que E Dengo Dela
07. Fraqueza
08. Te Quiero
09. Tereza Guerreira
10. Por Nossa Senhora
11. Um Abraco No Lucien Extensivo Ao Edu Lobo
12. Xamego De Ina


File Under: MPB/ Samba-Pop/Forró

P.S. Thank you Greg for this rip & for making sure that I didn't miss this recording. Also, If you happen to come across that idiot "Joe Sixpack's Brazilian Music Guide", please don't believe every word that that guy has to say about MPB. He's kinda lost!

Totonho - Dia A Dia [1978 Top Tape] 192 kbps - 58 mb

I had promised to spotlight certain LP's on my page from other blogs. So here's my first pick. Totonho "Dia A Dia" [1978 Top Tape] being offered over at A Música Que Vem De Minas blogspot. A very nice slice of Samba-Pop from 1978 on Top Tape. Fans of Alcione will know the tracks "Seu Rio, Meu Mar" & "O Surdo" from her LP's. Both tracks performed here by the composer himself. Samba fans get this. OK? A nice one!

File Under: Samba

P.S. I offer this rip via "A Música Que Vem De Minas blogspot". So a big Thank You to that page. It's going to be very easy to find one to spin here! Trust in Just.

Emilio Santiago - O Canto Crescente de Emilio Santiago [1979 Philips] 256 kbps - 93 mb (reup)

Happy New Year everyone. A quick re-up of this amazing vocalist. Emilio's last LP of the 70's & one that's beautifully produced & recorded. This is a Japanese issue & strangely has very little in the way of liner notes. So I can't offer much in the way of info. I can clearly hear Sivuca on accordian & scat vocals though, so listen for him. Full of excellent songs handled expertly by Emilio & all involved. A super lovely outing.

Emilio Santiago - O Canto Crescente de Emilio Santiago [1979 Philips]
01. Bufete e cascudo (Wagner Dias)
02. Trocando em miúdos (Chico Buarque, Francis Hime)
03. Caridade (Erminio do Vale, Nelson Cavaquinho)
04. Outra vez (Isolda)
05. Logo agora (Jotabe, Jorge Aragão)
06. Recado (Gonzaguinha)
07. Quase sempre (Cacaso, Edu Lobo)
08. Homenagem ao malandro (Chico Buarque)
09. As rosas não falam (Cartola)
10. Rola bola (Thomas Roth, Luiz Guedes)
11. Dores de amores (Luiz Melodia)
12. Amigo é pra essas coisas (Silvio da Silva Júnior, Aldir Blanc)
Participacao Especial de Joao Nogueira


Ficha Tecnica :

Produzido e Dirigido por SERGIO DE CARVALHO

Co-Producao - PAULO LIMA
Tecnicos de Gravacao - PAULO SERGIO "Chocolate" E ARY CARVALHAES
Auxiliar de Estudio - JULINHO "Mancha Negra"
Mixagem - SERGIO DE CARVALHO E ARY CARVALHAES
Corte de Acetatos - IVAN LISNIK
Montagem - BARROSO
Estudio - POLYGRAM(16 canais)

Arranjos -
ANTONIO ADOLFO : "TROCANDO EM MIUDOS", "OUTRA VEZ" QUASE SEMPRE",
"AS ROSAS NAO FALAM", "DORES DE AMORES"
MEIRELLES : "BUFETE E CASCUDO", "CARIDADE", "LOGO AGORA", "PECADO",
"HOMENAGEM AO MALANDRO", "ROLA BOLA", "AMIGO E PRA ESSAS COISAS"

Musicos que participaram deste CD :

Piano Eletrico : MARQUINHOS
Piano Acustico e Orgao : ANTONIO ADOLFO
Violao e Guitarra Base : ZE CARLOS
Baixo : JACARE
Cavaquinho : NECO
Bateria : PAULINHO
Percussao : ARMANDO
Ritmo : GERALDO, NEI, CANEGAL, MARCAL, SERGIO
Acordeon : CHIQUINHO
Clarinete : NETINHO
Flauta : JORGINHO
Flauta e Sax Alto : MEIRELLES
Sax Tenor : ZE CARLOS
Trombones : MACIEL, MANOEL, JOAO LUIZ
Trumpetes : MAURILIO, BARRETO, MARCIO
Vocais : CARTIER, MIRIAM, BURNIER


File Under: MPB

P.S. I consider the LP before this one "Comigo É Assim" from '77 on the Philips label to be his masterpiece, but this is in many ways right up there with that one. This may take a few spins before it wins you over, but trust me it will grow on you.

Conjunto Sambacana - Conjunto Sambacana Vol.3 [1969 Odeon] 256 kbps - 58 mb

How I forgot to post this lovely little session is beyond me? The cover photo says it all. 7 singers breezing through 12 very pretty late 60's vocal jazz numbers. Greg had introduced me to this LP way back in 2002. I had always enjoyed this session, so I share this Greg Caz rip of this super-sweet bossa jazz spinner. Rather short at 26 mintues. This LP plays like a summer breeze gently flowing by. Very nice!

File Under: Bossa Nova / Vocal Jazz

P.S. A gentle & unassuming set, but there are some really outstanding numbers here. Standouts for me are "Tarde Azul", "Canto Puro Amor", "Daudade Nos Olhos", "Giro" & "Tudo Azul". Overall, a very nice & worthwhile listen. At 26 minutes, you won't be bored.

Batatinha - Toalha Da Saudade [1976 Continental] 192 kbps - 50 mb

Since we're about a month away from the first days of Spring, these last days of Winter can seem the darkest. I post this record as a little dose of vitamin C for those lingering days of chilly weather. To those winter blues I offer this very pretty & happy little recording.
I've been enjoying this one the past couple of years & falling deeply in love with it's songs & the amazing arrangements that surround these very lovable melodies. The horn section is an absolute delight, as well as the choral singing, cavachino, cuica, triangle & throw in a French horn & a penny whistle for good measure. There are too many good songs for me single any out. This album is a total masterpiece of mid-70's Samba Pop. Beautifully recorded, so please listen for the clarity of composition & arrangements. Not one bad song on this upbeat & endlessly enjoyable spinner. Even the slow songs have amazing swing. Superb artisty here. Bravo Batatinha! Sunshine here for Samba-heads.

Batatinha - Toalha Da Saudade [1976 Continental]

01. Toalha da saudade
02. Rosa tristeza
03. Hora da razão
04. Babá de luxo
05. Marta
06. Ondas Do Mar
07. A Sorte do Benedito
08. Fora do meu samba
09. Espera
10. Ironia
11. Marca No Pé
12. Indecisão

P.S. I've been drawing from this LP for the past 2 years & keep coming back & finding more & more good tracks to fall in love with for the Samba Showdowns. Sorry about the smaller size on this one, but I'd rather see this gem reach a few more people who are looking for such a set. Good luck finding an LP or CD remaster of this rarity.
This one goes out to my buddy over at Flabbergasted Vibes Blogspot. A jewel pulled out of a haystack of recorded sounds.
One last thing. The length of this LP is 35 minutes long for 12 songs. This is the perfect length for a 12 song set. I've found that the better LP's are in the 28 to 35 minute area. Less is more!

Nadinho Da Ilha - Cabeça Feita [1976 EMI Odeon] 224 kbps - 62 mb

First I want to say a big thank you to Toque Musical for introducing me to this amazing EMI Odeon session. The second person to thank would have to be Charles Gavin for re-mastering this recording & giving it a second life. High praise must go to the EMI Odeon studios for raising the quality even higher on the technique of how to record this glorious Samba form. Friends of this page please listen closely to the high art of the recording excellence that abounds in Brasil in the 70's. Concepts like mic-ing, tape saturation, compression & good ol' mono mixing for a brilliantly sculpted sound-space. Outstanding Samba here recorded with such clarity to the compositions & artistry of its musicians. Don't miss this. With headphones!


File Under: Samba

P.S. This record is "Off The Hook, Hooked Up". No lie. I've been drawing from this masterwork since volume 12 of the Samba Showdowns. Lucky is the DJ with this record on his/her side.

Jair Rodrigues - Orgulho de um Sambista [1973 Philips] 320 kbps - 102 mb

The title "Orgulho de um Sambista" translates as "Pride of a Sambista". That's exactly what we have here. A sambista heralding the wonderful Samba composers who are writing up a storm over in sunny South America.
I can not recommend this record enough. This has become my favorite album of this artist. An absolutely magnificent Samba recording. There is not one bad song on this masterwork of Brasilian song. The Philips studio bats this one right out of the stadium. I've been enjoying this one the past few years. I've concluded, that this record is one that I would pick for people visiting my page looking for all kinds of South American goodies. If you want a great example of Samba-Pop circa 1973, then try this. SOLID!

P.S. When I want to hear an example of Brasilian music, I want to hear something that conjures Carnival & all the vitality that I come to expect of Brasilian song. This record embodies that kind of celebratory energy that I associate with South America.
I really like the mix of pure Samba meet Brasilian Jazz. The jazz piano work here is fantastic!

Nonato E Seu Conjunto - No Balanço Jovem De Nonato E Seu Conjunto [1978 RCA Camden] @ toque-musicall blogspot

Don't miss this very solid slice of Funk-Rock Nordestino being offered at Toque-musicall. A nice one!

Johnny Alf - Ele E Johnny Alf [1971 Parlophone/Odeon] 320 kbps - 87 mb (Reup)

To honor the passing of a very great voice, pianist & composer who passed away this past week at age 80. R.I.P. Johhny Alf.

I'm reposting this exceptional LP for several reasons. First, in the history of the major players of Bossa Nova, I think this artist tends to not get his due because of his output or perhaps because he didn't crossover as easily as say, Antônio Carlos Jobim, João Gilberto or Luiz Bonfá. Considering that this very fine piano player/singer was honing his craft since the late 40's, I would say that it took long enough for the major labels to roll out the red carpet & give this talent a chance to shine properly. This 1971 session does just that & is a real treat! Beautifully composed, performed & produced by the Odeon studios. This IS one of the great, great recordings of Bossa Nova/MPB. For those who've read "Bossa Nova: The Story of the Brazilian Music That Seduced the World " by Ruy Castro, it speaks highly of Johnny Alf & his influence on the key players of Bossa. In the formative years of the early & late 50's when all the musicians were done playing at the nightspots around Rio they would end their day with drinks where Johnny played. This means that this artist is a musician's musician! Please don't miss this key album by this very gifted pianist & his honey-coated voice. This issue has a bonus single from 1972 added to its 11 tracks making it a perfect 13 track spinner. A Masterpiece & one that I place very high in my list of all time great artists & LP's. Enjoy!

File Under: Post Bossa/MPB

P.S. I call this one "Post Bossa" because I feel this is a Bossa style artist, but recorded in the more modern MPB style & era. This recording is way more fleshed out then his 60's recordings, as are most of his 70's output.

One last thing. On my visit to Paris, my host Arnaud seemed quite perplexed by my use of the term "Under-rated vs. Over-Rated". Well Arnaud, since Antônio Carlos Jobim, João Gilberto & Luiz Bonfá are more known then Johnny Alf, then I would say my term under-rated fits perfectly here.

Cyro Aguiar - Cyro Aguiar [1975 Som Livre] 320 kbps - 90 mb

This is one that I have been enjoying and drawing from for my Samba Showdown series the past few years. This very sweet album comes to us via Toque Musicall Blogspot which was posted about 3 years ago. I cleaned up the tags a little & offer this pretty LP with many thanks to Toque Musicall for sharing this gem with us. Enjoy the sounds of Bahia with Cyro Aguiar on this excellent Som Livre set. A few slow numbers, but overall the great numbers make this one a "Must Listen". Very nice!

Cyro Aguiar - Cyro Aguiar [1975 Som Livre]

01. Crítica
02. Só Não Viu Quem Não Ficou
03. Fonte Da Bica
04. Dolores Duran
05. Foi Deus
06. Made In Brazil
07. Dias De Hoje
08. Neurose
09. Pensamento
10. Não Pise No Meu Calo
11. Mistificação


P.S. Over the past 3 years there were so many Brasilian LP's dropped on the internet that it's only natural that it's going to take a few years to sort through the overwhelming amount of music that's been offered. I'd rather not let a nice album like this get lost.

Zeca Do Trombone & Roberto Sax - Zeca Do Trombone & Roberto Sax [1976 Pirata - São Paulo ] 320 kbps - 76 mb

Hey everybody. Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I decided to post an LP that I once had up on this page about 3 years ago. So here's Zeca Do Trombone & Roberto Sax from 1976 on the Pirata label out of São Paulo. I've really grown to love this little session with its amazing blend of Samba rhythms meets U.S. Soul & Funk. Fans of 70's U.S. Soul & Funk should be right at home here. If you like Earth, Wind & Fire then you might enjoy this groovy little LP. This is a nice set with at least 8 of the 10 tracks being very listenable & worthy of your time. Fans of the Samba Showdowns will certainly know a few of these selections from the series. Please enjoy Zeca Do Trombone & Roberto Sax. A few really outstanding numbers here.

Zeca Do Trombone & Roberto Sax - Zeca Do Trombone & Roberto Sax [1976 Pirata - São Paulo]

01. Na Cara Desse Cara
02. Coluna Do Meio
03. Na Passarela
04. Nanar Contigo
05. My Brother Zeca
06. Tá Legal
07. Nega Louca
08. Santa Inquisição
09. Ave Anne
10. Tributo A Martin Luther King/Black Is Beautiful/What's Going On?

P.S. Don't be fooled by the lightweight album cover with the barely sketched figures because the sounds inside are nicely produced for a tiny little session. Really!

Azambuja & CIA (Conjunto Aiymuth) - Azambuja & CIA [1975 CID] 320 kbps - 58 mb (Reup)

To honor the passing of a very talented artist! A 7 song EP. Only 20 minutes of music here, but an AMAZING 20 minutes!



Azambuja & CIA (Conjunto Aiymuth) - Azambuja & CIA [1975 CID]

01. Negra Brecho
02. Ao Bililico
03. Tema De Azambuja
04. Maristela
05. O Poste Da Rua Jorge De Lima
06. Verde
07. A Turma

Featuring: Arnaud Rodrigues, Vitor Asis Brasil, Durval Ferreira, Celso Woltzen and Mauricio Einhorn; arrangements by Jose Roberto Bertrami and Jose Menezes.

Since I see the words Conjunto Aiymuth. I think this is basically an off-shoot project of the band Azymuth. This may very well be the strongest thing that Azymuth laid to wax! When I think of this band, I think of this project.

At it's core this is a Folk record. The influence of Jose Roberto Bertrami of Azymuth on Synth & Electric Piano & the presence of the Electric Bass really shift this "Folk" session into a whole other creature. I like to use the term "Electric Samba" to describe a session like this.
The Samba form is basically an acoustic one. Acoustic guitar, Accordian, Conga, Flute, Harmonica & Percussion GALORE, etc, etc. Non - Electric at it's base & almost rural in its form. By the time we reach the early 70's, this humble Samba style is being influenced by the presence of ELECTRICITY, mutating it into something subtlely Psychedelic. This is not a Psychedelic record, but aspects of it are!
This is an EP of seven songs & only 20 minutes of music, but quite amazing in it's quality & worth having for track one alone! If those train whistles don't get you "All Aboard", then I guess the "Samba Express" is not going your way. Keep your eye on Bertrami on Synth & Arnaud Rodrigues on vocals. A really amazing treat. Get this!

File Under: MPB / Forró / Fusion

P.S. This is a rare LP Rip from my friend Greg's collection. In fact, the 7 tracks presented here is an edit of the original LP with 2 long monologs at the end of each side, but this works nicely as a 7 song EP. Thank you Greg for sharing this pearl with us.
Every track's a winner. SOLID!

These are other related projects with much of the same vibe as this EP.




R.I.P. Arnaud.

V.A. - Minha Portela Querida - Sambas de Terreiros [1972 Odeon] 224 kbps - 50 mb

I'm bringing this back to the front so its gets another chance at being heard better. If someone were to say to me, "I know nothing about Samba. Could you pick a good example so that I could know what a good record sounds like?" I think I would choose a record like this one.
This is a perfect example of early 70's Samba. Served up here expertly by the Odeon studios. Who ever set up the microphones for this session & mixed it were geniuses. Really love the cuica, cowbell, woodblock sound here. Fans of Paulinho da Viola & Candeia will know what kind of company we're in. Deep Samba! Amazing, amazing, amazing! If you need proof, then check my later Samba Showdowns. I'm all over this gem. Enjoy!

01. Voltei (Wilson Bombeiro e Anézio)
02. Paz (Ivancué)
03. Conversa Fiada (Joãozinho da Pecadora)
04. Não Chora Meu Amor (Casquinha)
05. Meu Dinheiro Nao Da (Candeia e Catoni)
06. Um Certo Dia Para 21 (Paulinho da Viola)
07. Deixa De Zanga (Candeia)
08. Ilu Aye (Cabana e Norival Reis)
09. Não Pode Ser Verdade (Alberto Lonato)
10. Amor Sem Raiz (Carlos Elias)
11. Em Festa De Rato Nao Sobra Queijo (Velha)
12. Meu Regresso (Monarco)
13. O Que Eu Quero E Sambar (Garoto)

P.S. This record is the BOMB. It is being dropped here in a BIG WAY. Smokin'!!! DJ's, don't sleep on this one.

Os Originais do Samba - Samba é de lei [1970 RCA Victor] @ Global Grooves Blogspot

I haven't fully checked in with this bands first two LP's both released in 1969, but I can report that this 3rd album of theirs is really in FULL SWING. This one is getting many spins from me of late. I really like how well this band jives with the RCA studios. RCA Victor knows exactly how to handle talent like this. Record them gloriously! This is a brilliant way to kick off 1970. With a big ol' carnaval bash. This is the blossoming of Samba-Pop in terms of how well it's being recorded. Beautifully produced & performed. A very big "thumbs up" from me. Solid & Rockin' hard. This is a great band & a perfect example of Samba-Pop at it's best. Very nice! Thank you DJ Moos for such an amazing share.

P.S. They make themselves to be goofy on the cover, but their sound is "No Joke". What is funny about them though is that they started as a backing-band for other artists, but really came into their own as an act. I would describe them as play-full & very tight as a unit.

Djalma Dias - Destaque [1974 Som Livre] 320 kbps - 78 mb

I can't believe that I've been sitting on this disc for the past 3 1/2 years & failed to really focus on how great it really is. Well, it's never too late to make up for lost time. Friends of this page who know how much I love Brasil in the mid-70's, will know that this is very much in keeping with the posts that I present on this page. A wonderful Som Livre LP by the very talented vocalist Djalma Dias. The range of styles here are marvelous. All wrapped in that classic MPB style that Brasil did so well during this period of time. I'll keep this short and just say that is a lovely example of mid-70's Brasilian Pop. Every track's a winner & the disc spins beautifully as a whole. Enjoy!

P.S. Thank you Greg for this rip. Your taste in Brasilian Pop is flawless.