Search - Baden Powell :: Os Afro Sambas

Magnificent!

Andre C. Castilla | Sao Paulo, Brazil | 12/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Os Afro-Sambas was originally recorded in 1966, while this one without Vinicius de Moraes, was done by Baden Powell, Quarteto em cy (as the original), and others nearly quarter century later. Os Afro-Sambas is certainly one of the most important works of contemporary Brazilian Music truly reflecting the transition period from the stylish Bossa Nova of the late 50's to the revolutionary Tropicalia of the late 60's. Eight of the eleven compositions are the same of the original one, while two are also compostions of Baden and Vinicius from the same period and the opening was made by Baden alone specially for this recording.



All tracks reflect religious syncretism, the mixture of West African religions of slavery origin and the European Catholicism, found mostly on Bahia State in form of Ubanda and Candoble religions. The most frequent music theme is love, specially love delusions and solitude. The understanding of singed Brazilian Portuguese would be a must to get into Vinicius poetry in full depth, as there are no lyrics on this set. As one of the most important contemporary Brazilian poets Vinicius de Moraes also has an important role on Brazilian Popular Music with his solo and works with other Brazilian musicians. His work with Baden is an encounter with one of the best Brazilian guitar players, whose strong classical influence is fantastically merged into samba.



This album uses all the sound technology available on 90's so its is pristine recording, which permits to the listener distinguish easily all the different percussion instruments. The 66 album was recorded on a 2 channel studio, and this means a huge difference in sound quality, Now the original one is only available on both Vinicius and Baden complete works box set. Although this 1990 recording is not the original one, Baden tried to keep this version as similar as possible as to the 66' one giving us opportunity to fully appreciate this hallmark of Brazilian Music. There is also an interesting religious aspect to be mentioned. The Brazilian afro religions are not well tolerated by the evangelic Christians. Later in his life when Baden had converted to an evangelic cult he renegaded this work changing afro words to more Christian oriented ones during presentations.



Certainly this CD is an excellent choice.



Sarava !"

Not the original Os Afro Sambas

Lypo Suck | Hades, United States | 01/23/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"As the other reviewers have clearly pointed out, this is not the original recording from '66. This is a re-recording done in the 90s. It's not bad, per se, but it sure as hell ain't the original. Not even close. The original possesses a certain ragged charm, and a seductively dark and mystical vibe that this update noticeably lacks. The new version is also inappropriately slick and rote sounding, and lacks the vocal contributions of the late Vinicius de Moraes. So, by all means, if you're curious about "Os Afro Sambas," *please* don't buy this, and instead try your hardest to locate the Japanese import, which, at the time of writing, is the only means of obtaining the original on CD (update! - the Original Os Afro Sambas has been reissued by El Records, so grab that while it's available). That tracking down such a brilliant and monumental album remains so difficult is a seriously heinous crime against humanity. The Japanese version seems to go in and out of print, and it's going to run you about $25, but believe me, it's worth every penny."