Os Afro-Sambas (DRG, 2011)
The great Brazilian guitarist Baden Powell and composer Vinicius de Moraes had one of the most successful partnerships in Brazilian Popular Music (MPB). In 1966 they recorded an essential album titled Os Afro Sambas that explored the African roots in Brazilian music.
This release, also titled Os Afro-Sambas is a reissue of a new version of the album which Powell recorded in in 1990. The reason for recording the album again is that Baden Powell was not satisfied with the sound quality of the original recording. “It was remade with modern technology and of course – as you can hear- in the end, my goal is that this work crosses our century with dignity!” said Baden Powell. Unfortunately, Vinicius de Moraes had died 10 years earlier so he was not able to participate in the new recording.
This version of Afro-Sambas was never before released on Compact Disc in the United States so this is an excellent opportunity to listen to an important recording in Brazilian music history.
The line-up on this album includes the late Baden Powell on guitar, vocals, percussion; Alfredo Bessa on afoxé, ganzá, cuica, tamborim; Ernesto Gonsalves on bass; Paulo Guimaraes on flute; Valdeci on pandeiro, tamborim; Sutinho on percussion; Flavio Neves on surdo, afoxé, ganzá; and Quarteto Em Cy on vocals.
Os Afro-Sambas is a superb album of Afro-Brazilian music performed by one of Brazil’s finest guitarists and composers.
Buy the album or MP3 downloads:
- In North America: Os Afro Sambas.
- In Europe: Os Afro Sambas.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
