Samba Soul 70!

Selected by Bossacucanova’s DJ Dalua, and Ziriguiboom’s Béco Dranoff and Marc Hollander, this collection features kicking tracks recorded in the ‘70s by the most significant members of the Samba Soul movement.

In the late Sixties, the influence of the Black Power movement inspired musicians in Rio and São Paulo to create their own Afro-Americano-Brazilian hybrid, bringing together elements of soul/R&B and Samba. Brazilian Black Music (or Samba Soul) was born, and went on to transform the music of the next decade.

01 Erlon Chaves:  Cosa Nostra

Throughout the ‘70s, composer, arranger and pianist Erlon Chaves led Banda Veneno which featured the best musicians around. His repertoire was a funkified mixture of international hits and Brazilian classics; the Jorge Ben song included here is a good example of the latter.

02 Wilson Simonal: Não Vem Que Não Tem

Wilson Simonal, from Rio de Janeiro, started singing in suburban dance halls, recording his first album in 1963. A popular star from the mid-‘60s to the early ‘70s, he was invited to host his own TV show. His unique blend of swing and samba earned a special place in the hearts of Brazilian fans.

03 Som Três: Homenagem A Mongo

Som Três, formed in the late ‘60s by acclaimed pianist, composer, arranger and producer César Camargo Mariano, included bassist Sabá Oliveira and Toninho Pinheiro on drums. César founded the classic "Sambalanço Trio" and, in 1968, the "Octeto César Camargo Mariano,” the latter blending jazz and bossa nova. During the ‘70s, César produced and arranged three Elis Regina albums.

04 Di Melo: A Vida Em Seus Métodos Diz Calma

From the northeastern state of Pernambuco, Di Melo remains a mysterious figure even among Brazilian record collectors. "A Vida Em Seus Métodos Diz Calma" was the title track from his 1975 release and included such noteworthy guests as multi-instrumentalist Hermeto Pascoal and guitarist Heraldo do Monte.

05 Wanderléa: Mané João

Wanderléa is one of the key figures of the "Jovem Guarda" ("Young Guard"), a movement which was influenced by the aesthetics of UK pop bands and whose fun and sometimes quirky sound rocked Brazil in the mid-‘60s. Today Wanderléa is in her fifties and still keeps a youthful appearance, always sporting her trademark mini-skirt.

06 Dom Salvador & Banda Abolição: Guanabara

Pianist and arranger Dom Salvador has played with such artists as Jorge Ben, Elis Regina, Edú Lobo, Silvia Telles and many more. The groundbreaking LP Dom Salvador & Abolição was released in 1971 and was a landmark in the Brazilian Black movement, laying the foundations for Banda Black Rio.

07 Milton Banana Trio: Fato Consumado

Milton Banana is widely recognized as an innovator who adapted the bossa nova beat for the drum kit. He took part in several historic sessions, such as João Gilberto's original recording of "Chega de Saudade", the classic Getz/Gilberto sessions, as well as recordings with Jobim, João Donato and many more. Milton also played the historic Carnegie Hall concert in New York in 1962, which launched the bossa nova craze in the United States. After returning to Brazil he founded the Milton Banana Trio with which he recorded several albums.

08  Elis Regina: Bicho Do Mato

Elis Regina was one of Brazil's most talented and popular female singers ever. Her singing was full-throated and full of rhythm, the opposite of the cool and jazzy ‘60s bossa sounds. On stage her riveting presence, energetic and down-to-earth, galvanized audiences. Elis recorded some of her best albums during the ‘70s, including the magical Elis & Tom with Tom Jobim, still considered to be among the best Brazilian records. Elis passed away prematurely in 1982, at age 36.

09 Bebeto: Princesa Negra De Angola

A real Paulista, groovemeister and guitarist,  Bebeto moved to Rio in the late ‘70s, soon becoming a star of suburban balls and parties. His funky and soulful grooves were inspired heavily by Jorge Ben and Tim Maia. Credited as one of the creators of the funky guitar licks that are a trademark of Samba Soul, Bebeto has released over twenty albums.

10 Elza Soares: Saltei De Banda

Elza Soares (a.k.a the "Brazilian Tina Turner") was born in Rio in 1930. Her husky voice and a penchant for samba-scat singing were already present on her earliest recordings. Married to Brazilian football hero Garrincha, she enjoyed a long string of hits during the ‘60s and ‘70s, then sank into obscurity until being "rediscovered" by Caetano Veloso who asked her to duet on a track in the mid-‘80s. In 2000, Elza received a "Singer of the Millenium" award from the BBC in London.

11 Orlandivo: Onde Anda O Meu Amor

Orlandivo performed as the crooner for Ed Lincoln's band for over 30 years, appearing also in feature films and on TV. His singing style is characterized by a unique pronunciation and his ability to create and improvise new lyrics in Portuguese. He has more than 250 compositions to his name.

12  Branca Di Neve: Nêgo Dito

Another Paulista, Branca Di Neve died prematurely in 1989. During his short solo career, Branca recorded two albums. An ace "surdo" (strapped bass drum) player, Branca performed with acts such as Jorge Ben, Nara Leão, and Baden Powell.

13  Banda Black Rio: Maria Fumaça

Formed in Rio in 1976 by the late sax player Oberdan Magalhães, their trademark fusion of samba, jazz, funk and gafieira style was extremely influential in the history of Black music in Brazil. Released in 1977,"Maria Fumaça" became their first major hit, broadcast every night for months as the opening theme for a TV soap opera. They recorded two more albums: Gafieira Universal (1978) and Saci Pereri (1980).

14 De Savoya Combo: Jogaram O Caxangá

The founder of De Savoya Combo, Ed Lincoln was born in 1932 in the north of Brazil and arrived in Rio in 1951. Initially playing upright bass, Lincoln achieved his greatest popularity as an electric organist almost by accident, standing in for a sick friend. He recorded countless hits and in 1969 launched one of Brazil's first independent labels, Savoya Discos.

15 Gal Costa: Barato Total

Born in Bahia in 1946, Gal Costa was part of the original nucleus of the Tropicalista movement, along with Caetano Veloso, Maria Bethania and Gilberto Gil. Her early albums were among the most wildly experimental tropicalia recordings. Since the late ‘60s she's developed a tremendous career, using her crystal-clear voice to enchant legions of fans in Brazil and, since the Aquarela do Brasil  album in 1980, around the world.

16 Trio Mocotó: Que Nega É Essa

Pointed out by many as the "Fathers of the Samba Soul beat,” this cult trio from São Paulo was formed in the late ‘60s. The three friends - Nereu, Fritz and João Parahyba - became successful in 1969, when they met and played with Jorge Ben. After their first hit single ,"Coqueiro Verde" they went on to record three albums which have now become collectors items sought out by DJs the world over. In the late ‘90s João Parahyba was closely associated with Suba and played most of the percussion on the acclaimed São Paulo Confessions album. The trio's original members have just reunited to record a new album.

Six Degrees Records is proud to be the exclusive North American partner of Ziriguiboom (Crammed Discs’ Brazilian imprint). Ziriguiboom is dedicated to presenting original and as-yet unexposed aspects of Brazilian music to an international audience.