[.ca] Samba Rock (Brazil)

From Amazon.com:
Waiting 26 years between releases has to be some kind of record. But so is Samba Rock. Having first gained notoriety as Jorge Ben's backing band in 1969, Brazilian "samba soul" pioneers Trio Mocotó released three influential albums in the 1970s before packing it up. Renewed interest in vintage Latin recordings spurred the Trio to reunite for their latest release, and it's far from an exercise in nostalgia. The group holds on to its core style of innovative vocal arrangements and flirtations with soul, funk, and jazz while also presenting a cartoonish ambiance that leaves lesser mortals frowning in the dust. But the 21st-century Trio also seamlessly blends modern sensibilities with its venerable minimoog, updating "Voltei Amor" with subtle electronica and energizing Jorge Ben's "Adelita" with a vigorous tropical rock attack that complements the all-out party atmosphere. Even Antonio Carlos Jobim's classic "Aguas de Marco" ("The Waters of March") gets an unexpectedly loosey-goosey reading via an instrumental whose lead voice is provided by the percussive whine of the cuica (best known for the background whoops in Paul Simon's "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard"). Backed by supple horn players, keyboardists, drummers, and more, the Trio miraculously fuses various styles from different eras without ever straining the essential samba sensibility. While the out-there approach may not suit every listener, it will definitely delight anyone with a healthy sense of fun. --Bob Tarte

This review needs about five more stars!:
I'm not easily prone to compliment, but this CD has changed my life. The musicianship, fun, and sheer joy on Trio Mocoto's return is completely UNMATCHED by anything I've heard in the last 10 years. I swear to you, if you mix a pitcher of white Sangria, slap in this disc, and find an open area, you will be dancing nonstop for a good hour. Better yet, if you are married, renew your vows under the spell of this elixir of the love of life and your happiness will be returned tenfold. Who are these amazing guys who have shared this with us, and why has it taken so long? I'm starting to believe that the only real pop dance music and meaningful jazz today is happening in Central and South America. Music rules my life but nothing in my 38 years has stuck with me like this stuff....and your kids will love it! It's a cartoon soundtrack, a wild display of songwriting and musicianship, and grooves that will make your knees buckle. What are you waiting for? Whip out that credit card and buy this now! Don't bother to thank me.....JUST DANCE! And please, share it with your other clueless white friends.

Otimo:
~~~~~~~My first exposure to Trio Mocoto was a live show in Sao Paulo, and I, like the rest of the audience, was sweating from uncontrollable dancing after the second song. Their manic energy, tight rhythms, and great stage presence all made for a great show. I purchased this disc shortly thereafter and am quite happy with it. I love "Tudo Bem"; this cut alone justifies the purchase. As other reviewers have aptly pointed out, the tracks on this album are generally upbeat and fun, and there is~~ a high level of musicianship as well. Those Brazilians have it down. However, I would stop short of awarding this disc five stars on the basis of the lyrics. Lyrically, this group simply isn't up to par with other popular Brazilian musicians like Lenine and Gilberto Gil, who I consider to be excellent technical musicians as well as gifted writers. Buy this disc by all means: you will enjoy it. But don't expect it to move your mind, just your bunda.~~~~~~~

Fun Fun Fun!:
So I was listening to VH1 internet radio, Brazilian station, and I heard 'Adelita.' I realized that I had to own this CD. It's like a party in a disc, and after all, brasileiros know how to party. It's got a bit of a carioca swing that is just infectious even if you don't know Portuguese (and maybe now you want to learn, huh?!). I'm glad these guys decided to make a comeback so young'uns like me could get to know them.

5 Stars for Samba Rock!!:
Contrary to part of its title and for those of you who may not be so familiar with Brazilian music or Brazilian terminology of music, this is not a rock CD or in any way a fusion of samba and rock music. Instead it is a delightful collection of original, funk-soul-samba inspired songs with a dash of modern ingredients. Trio Mocoto is a wonderful, soulful group who performed with the great Jorge Ben in the 70's and had a lot of success during that era when funk-soul-samba fusion music was at an alltime high. They were and still continue to be one of the best groups from that era and have had more staying power than other equally talented groups/artists from that era (like Banda Black Rio, Azymuth, Wilson Simonal, Tim Maia, etc.), whom many of them unfortunately died out with the passing of the 70's and early 80's. A wonderful CD to revive the career of a wonderful group! Every song is energetic, original and equally as good as the other, I highly recommend checking out this CD. You will not be disappointed.

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