This entertaining track opens with Astrud talking over a groovy guitar and piano background. As she starts to sing the words, the percussion becomes more pronounced, producing a nice bossa/funk hybrid. The production is very different to a lot Astrud’s work, probably because this album was from an obscure label (Perception) with contributions from different personnel than on many of her Verve recordings (e.g. Airto Moreira, Maria Toledo and Eumir Deodato).
12 May 02 ·delicado: A superb track. I think I've neglected Gal Costa so far. 13 May 02 ·PappaWheelie: I was blown away when I heard this song too. I had heard other Gal songs prior to this, but it was 'Que Pena' that sealed the deal for me to become a fan of hers. Let me know if I'm recommending too many songs; I'm having a really good time here :-D 25 Jun 04 ·brasilnut: Jorge Ben composed this song. The non-stop guitar is typical of his early style. A little clip from'allbrazilian music' about him.(great site) I can't praise him enough.
'Jorge Ben Jor�s music holds a unique role in the Brazilian scene, due to the merging of new elements in his swinging mix and to the way he plays the guitar, revealing his appreciation of soul music and north-American funk, yet incorporating the influence of African and Arabian music, legacy of his Ethiopian mother'
This lost Jorge Ben stormer has a rawer sound and harder rock edge to it than usual during this, his greatest period. Relegated to an obscure soundtrack LP, it stomps all over the place at a slower, heavier and more menacing tempo than anything on "Ben" or "A Tabua De Esmeralda." The beat is anchored by that famous acoustic guitar sound, heavy bass and a loud cowbell, as Jorge yells out improvised nonsense in a hilarious mix of Spanish and English! "Rock Steady-O!!" Must be heard to be believed.
from A Volta De Beto Rockfeller (Soundtrack) (Polydor)
I own pretty much every Jorge Ben album, and I can say that this song is easily in my all-time top 5 Ben tracks. Only that it isn't on any of them!! An updated (and much-improved) version of a song he wrote for Gilberto Gil in 1968 called "Queremos Guerra," this is two minutes and 53 seconds of pure, propulsive joy. Charging, upbeat rhythm, an infectious hook, Jorge at his rocking best.
It's a marvelous song coming from a perfect album : " A t�bua de esmeralda" . Represents the highest level this artist achieved. It's an example of crossover mixing Samba - Soul - Psichodelia. A must for good music lovers.
A song for sophisticated ears.
20 May 04 ·pleasepleaseme: I agree! "A Tabua de Esmeralda" & "Africa Brasil" are Jorge Ben at the peak of his powers!
"O Bid�" from 1967 is a very nice groover as well.
