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Africa Brasil
Jorge Ben Jor
1976
Wikipedia
Reviews
Like a review? Give it a thumb up to help us display relevant reviews!“Africa Brasil” by Jorge Ben Jor (1976) Never heard this album nor this artist. But wow, welcome to my ignorance. The basic thrust of this album is the integration of western American and European) musical motifs into Brazilian urban samba. From the opening bars of "Ponta de Lança Africano (Umbabarauma)", the listener might expect an American country rock ballad with instrumentation and chord structure like Creedence Clearwater Revival. But eight bars in, Brazil steps up with lead and background vocals. Track two is funk Hermetica. Sounds like a Sly and the Family Stone take on 2nd century B.C. Egyptian mysticism. Apparently Jorge Ben Jor had earlier devoted an entire album on this theme (“A Tábua de Esmeralda” (1974)). Worth exploring if you’re into that sort of thing (as, obviously, I am). Listen to the first few bars of "O Filósofo" (1976) and the opening bars of “I’ll Take You There“ (1972) by The Staples Sisters and you’ll see what’s going on here. Personally, I think a little appropriation is cool. "Meus Filhos, Meu Tesouro" is a celebration of his three children (“My Children, My Treasure”). Great sound and sweet lyric. "O Plebeu" gives us a happy tragedy of the collision between poverty and affection, as the penniless poet joyfully resigns himself to the fact that his love for a rich girl must remain unrequited. Interesting take on a classic theme. ‘Xica da Silva” tells real-life story of a wealthy 18th century Brazilian woman welcomed in the royal court, but excluded from her parish church because she was a black former slave. According to Wikipedia, “Xica was banished from the parish church, which was reserved for Caucasians only. To show the locals Xica’s power, [the white nobleman] João Fernandes built a luxurious church attended just by herself.” The song celebrates this act of trans-racial loyalty, and thus becomes a protest against racial exclusivity among social elites. Powerful. Compare the happy autobiographical reflections of a child who was ‘different’ in Jorge Ben Jon’s "A História de Jorge" (1976) with the tragic autobiographical reflections of a child who was ‘different’ in Juanes’ "La Historia de Juan" (2002). Fascinating. However, the most powerful track on the album is the title track, "África Brasil (Zumbi)". We’re treated to angry, driving rhythms and chord structure, with suitable vocal tone. According to Joel Sattler, “Zumbi was the last leader of the Quilombo dos Palmares runaway slave refugee colony in Alagoas, Brazil that also harbored fugitives and deserters. Born a free man in 1655, captured and sold into slavery at the age of six, baptized by his missionary owner, he learned Portuguese and Latin and the Bible. Escaping at 15, he returned home and became a military leader and renowned warrior. When the local governor offered freedom to the colony, Zumbi distrusted the Portuguese and refused to accept the offer while other Africans remained enslaved. He took over leadership of the quilombo and ruled for 15 years until the Portuguese military destroyed the central settlement of Cerca do Macaco with an artillery assault. The colony fell, Zumbi went to ground and led a rebellion for two years, evading capture until betrayed by one of his followers. He was beheaded by the Paulistas, and his head taken to Recife and displayed as a warning to all other slaves. The date of his execution, November 20 1695, has become the equivalent of our Martin Luther King Day.... https://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewpoetry.asp?id=279469 Brazilian rock. This album teaches and connects. Very nice. 4/5 Bonus connection for those familiar with Juanes: Joga bola, jogador Joga bola, corocondô Joga bola, jogador Joga bola, corocondô (from "Ponta de Lança Africano” by Jorge Ben Jor (1976)) Yo te doy todo mi amor Luna de mi corazón Yo te doy todo mi amor Si tú me lo cuentas todo (from “Luna” by Juanes (2002))
A fun week of albums continues! This is the first non-English album I have received on this list and comes from a genre I know absolutely nothing about; however, I enjoyed this one a lot for what it is and more than I initially thought I would. The production and instrumentals are great with many unique sounds coming together in a catchy, cohesive manner. It feels like a mix between traditional Brazilian/South American music and Rolling Stones-like blues rock with its prevalent bass and electric guitars standing out in the mix. Although I cannot speak to the lyrics, I found Jorge's vocals to be strong and elevate the energy of the tracks throughout the record. The main reason I cannot rate this higher is that I have no idea how this compares to the rest of his work or the overall style of his music. If there were specific songs that stood out as being amazing, I would be very impressed given my lack of knowledge of the genre, but the songs blend together in a way that makes it difficult to differentiate between tracks at some points. With that being said, I enjoyed this one more than a lot of albums I have received so far and would throw it on as background music again. 3/5.
Aujourd'hui était un jour particulier, puisque nous fêtions l'anniversaire du générateur. En effet, vous n'êtes pas sans savoir qu'il y a de cela tout juste un an, je débutais cette aventure générateurienne avant d'être très vite rejoint par mon envieux camarade d'écoute, le désormais très célèbre robpaupière. A cette occasion, nous avons mis les petits plats dans les grands, en décidant de signer un pacte de non aggression, afin de pouvoir célébrer cet événement comme il se doit. Le projet était le suivant: nous devions débuter la soirée d'anniversaire par quelques biscuits et boissons, afin de nous ammener vers le vrai climax de la soirée. En effet, à 23h55, nous avions prévu de nous cacher derrière les meubles du salon, car à minuit pile, Robert devait faire irruption dans la maison pour nous dévoiler notre album du jour, l'album cadeau d'anniversaire. La soirée débutait sur de très bonnes bases, rob et moi-même choisissant chacun notre tour une chanson à jouer sur l'enceinte disposée au milieu de la pièce, afin de respecter notre quota musical respectif. Aucun débordement ne fût à déplorer, si ce n'est une petite prise de bec sur la place de la trip-hop dans l'histoire de la musique, sans conséquence fort heureusement. Mais au fond de nous, ce que nous attendions réellement, c'était les douze coups de minuit, pour découvrir cet album anniversaire concocté par Robert. Il se murmurait d'ailleurs que l'album devrait être l'un des albums de Nirvana présent dans le générateur, que nous n'avons pour l'instant pas eu la chance d'écouter. Soudain, c'était l'heure. Je courrais me cacher derrière la bibliothèque du salon, pendant que rob peinait à dissimuler son imposant corps grassouillet derrière le canapé. La porte s'entrouvit doucement, et les premières notes de musiques retentirent, précédent un Robert vêtu de ses plus beaux habits. Et la, ce fut la stupéfaction. Les premières notes très latino crachées par Robert laissèrent bientôt place à la voix de Jorge Ben Jor, qui se mit à baragouiner dans un brésilien incompréhensible. Ce n'était absolument pas Nirvana à qui nous avions affaire. Notre déception se lisait sur notre visage, et les explications de Robert sur l'impact de Jorge Ben Jor sur la samba rock ne suffirent jamais à rattraper cet anniversaire gâché. Rob ne réussit d'ailleurs pas à retenir ses larmes, et partit s'enfermer dans sa chambre.
Fantastic album! Amazing instrumentation, and amazing vocals. Can't give criticism to the lyricism because I dont speak portuguese but damn what an amazing album
What a funky groove. These guitar riffs are great. The variety of each track is amazing, and the energy never dips.
Three albums ago I wondered whether we'd get any Jorge Ben Jor...and here we are! Not his best work in my estimation, but still five stars because it's Jorge Ben in his pomp. A lovely mix of tropicalia and funk, plus he has one of my favourite voices in popular music. Nothing here quite touches the greatness of 'Mas Que Nada', 'Take It Easy My Brother Charles' or 'Pais Tropical', but this is a remarkably cohesive collection with some spiky guitar work and insistent, rolling rhythms. So, so good. Oh, and Rod Stewart ripped off 'Taj Mahal' but made it far worse.
Insanely funky album. The arrangements, perhaps, are a bit samey. But the instrumentation is consistently interesting and I find Ben's voice magnetic. The energy oozes from every minute, though there are certainly peaks.
I was really surprised by how much I liked this album. I also noticed the song Taj Mahal was very close to Da ya think I'm sexy by Rod Stewart. As it turns out Rod Stewart lost a copyright infringement lawsuit over the similarities.
Great! But the problem with stuff you're not familiar with is you don't actually know if it's good or not! Is this the best Brasil record, or does it sound the same as the rest?!
So much funk here, a little bit of Sly, James Brown and Curtis Mayfield, but based around Samba? It works really well, with the interwoven percussion, guitar work, warm vocals and funky bass lines providing an extremely enjoyable record. I can hear a lot of influence on David Byrne here.
Loved the breezy 70s laid-back jazz funk and beautiful Brazilian melodies and female backing singers. 1st track is very cool, pity there wasn't anything else solar in a slightly more edgy rock style.
Its not as good as A Tábua de Esmeralda or Força Bruta, but still a damn good and classic Jorge Ben album. closer to a 4.5
I love this but i don't know what he's saying. Absolutely fantastic album, i was jammin
Groovy and a little bit gnarly. Yes I am IN TO this. Party funk rock! (I am also a sucker for a nice cuica)
This is great! But it had to be with a title like that.. First album i've downloaded so far.
Really good, lively and well made. If you’re the best in brazil you know you have something going on
This is the kind of thing I came here for. It wouldn't occur to me to seek this kind of music out and, even if I did, I wouldn't know where to start. And how else would I find out that Rod Stewart got sued for stealing the melody for "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy"? Lots of fun.
365 DAYS!!!!! And couldn't have landed on a better album for it. SAMBA FUNK. So much fun. You could play O Plebeu on repeat and just strut around town for probably 12 hours straight with out even a drink of water or muslie bar. Plus the drum fills in that song are absolute perfection. Also so happy that my 365th featured the Cuica so heavily, it's fast becoming my new favourite instrument, look out ride cymbal. Anyway just so stoked with this whole process at the one year mark, have discovered so so many five star albums. Looking forward to the next two and a bit years.
Even nowadays when you go to samba-funk bars in Brazil you might hear some songs from this album.
Makes me wish I understood what he was singing about, but even that isn't necessary to enjoy the funk.
Relentlessly fun interesting album that sounds timeless - there is no fat here - every note and rhythm has its place and even after repeated listens it never gets boring.
Fun and refreshing. Lots of cool instruments making cool sounds. Reminds me how much fun this kind of music. Definitely will check this out again.
I really loved this. Great voice, funky, groovy. An easy 5/5 for me. Added to my library immediately!
This was a fun album, but not the greatest for sitting at a desk at work. Also wish I knew the name of that whooping instrument in the back of some tracks
-Really dig this right off the bat with Ponta De Lanco Africano -The songs are so long but I really enjoy it! -O Plebeu is also a favorite--it went into my beach playlist
oh boy I love this FUNK. that electric guitar fits so well. mmm these percussion sounds
Fantastic, funky, infectiously groovy and a lot of fun even with the language barrier. Also, copious use of friction drums! Fave track - "Taj Mahal" - can't really blame Rod Stewart for ripping off that great melody!
Production: 15/20 Songwriting: 16/20 Innovation: 15/20 Bangers: 15/20 Emotional response: 16/20 =77 Cracking stuff this
This album was a bit of a revelation to me. Celebratory, brimming with ideas. It was like a window into a whole new realm of music. Favourite track: Africa Brasil (Zumbi)
i thought it was good even though i can't understand the words. i particularly like o plebeu
Hot album with hot tunes got me jammin world wide. I don’t understand the lyrics but the music was beautiful and I want to be in brasil ayyy Top tracks : Africa brasil, Taj Mahal, historia de jorge
Muito bom, gostei, principalmente a música sobre os filhos. Não considero o melhor álbum do Jorge Ben Jor mas é bom.
Great mix of Brazilian, African, and soul/blues/R&B. This album is incredibly interesting rhythmically and the combination of the familiar (to western audiences) and the unfamiliar is very effective. The album remains exciting and fast paced from the first to the last song.
funky, I'm jamming better than most of the other albums I've listened to, and I don't even know what they're saying in this one Didn't realize it finished
Has some really awesome instrumentals and vocals. One of the most fun albums I’ve listened to in a while, I’ll definitely throw this on to get hyped in the future.
Had heard the lead track but not the rest. Very listenable and something I should revisit.
I wasn't familiar with the artist or the album, but I have been casually listening to some Brazilian music recently. Nice grooves and an infectious rhythm that is very easy to listen to. Thanks for the suggestion!
So welcome after that Jane's Addiction schlock. I don't even need to speak the same language to have this music speak more clearly to me... This is an interesting mix of tropicalia and funk. The female backup vocals are welcome and excellent. Had never heard this artist but am so glad I did. I read a little about Jorge Ben Jor and it appears he's known for his satirical lyrics. That's cool. Obviously, I have no clue. But I like his voice. I want to be on a tropical beach listening to this. Or driving next to a beach in an old convertible. I'll take either one. I think my internal rating criteria really benefits bands/artists that I've never heard but am pleasantly surprised by. Jorge Ben Jor is definitely in that category. So maybe this is actually a 3.5 but I'm rounding up to 4.
I liked this album. It's unique and I liked the varity of songs. My favorite song from the whole album is probably Taj Mahal.
This is some fun and funky Brazilian music. I listened to “Ponta de Lanca Africano” as I was driving and I felt like it should I should be in the ending of some 1970s film. It was smooth, funky, and cool. “Hermes Trismegisto Escreveu” continued that feeling. Great opening songs! “O Plebeu” was really nice. I loved the “Lalalála lalalá lalá”s. And it really sounded like Rod Stewart stole some of the melody from “Taj Majal” for his song “Do Ya’ Think I’m Sexy?” Other highlights included “História de Jorge”, “Cavaleiro do Cavalier Imaculado”, and a really nice ending with “África Brasil (Zumbi)”. I quite enjoyed this album.
This was again something that I had never heard of, and I had a heck of a lot of fun listening to it. Funky with a vibe of the seventies.
What fun to see what the writer of "Mas Que Nada" was doing with Brazilian music in the 70s. Happily it still has a good dose of the cuíca, which makes everything sound like it's a Carnaval party parade. This was a great listen. Standout songs were "Ponta de Lanca Africano" (a soccer anthem), "Taj Mahal" (which apparently snuck into Rod Stewart's head), "Xica da Silva" (about an 18th century woman born into slavery who became a "great lady"). Brazil hasn't disappointed me yet. Hope to hear more. I'm swaying and moving and singing along (the best I can) and enjoying every minute.
Some shit-hot playing on here. Wouldn't normally listen to stuff like this, but this one stays.
Det här är så nära en femma man kan komma. Det blir liiiite för långrandigt. Det hade kunnat kortats ner med en eller två låtar. Men fram till spår 7 är det otroligt bra och svängigt.
I have to reveal my ignorance here: I'd never heard of Jorge Ben before and didn't know any of his music. Of course, I immediately knew I could get behind anyone who inspired David Byrne. But I can't judge "Africa Brasil" against many other Brazilian albums, much less try to contextualise the album's fusion of samba with Afrobeat, rock and African-American funk. And of course, the lyrics are lost on me. All I really had to go on was impulsive response to the beat... the melody... the rhythms... the feel. As an introduction to this genre, this particular blend of sounds and Brazil's culture in the 1970s, "Africa Brasil" is an exhilarating listen. Whether Ben Jor is revelling in samba roots ("Meus Filhos, Meu Tesouro"), foreshadowing disco ("Taj Mahal") or going for straight-up funk ("Hermes Trismegisto Escreveu"), he's having a whale of a time across the album. One of my main takeaways from it was the obvious Western cross-over appeal here, more than I expected there to be (which is perhaps how it made the list). Right from the off, the album's first sound is a swampy electric guitar riff tantamount to southern rock. Later, "O Filosofo" and "O Plebeu", two of the album's gorgeous softer numbers, are structured around simple three chord progressions commonly found in the major scale of Western pop. There's also a heavy presence from funky, skittering electric guitars throughout, and synthesisers underscoring vocal hooks (to great effect in "O Plebeu") The rest of the instrumentation- more traditional to South American or African music- is arranged and mixed to finish off the album's party atmosphere, particularly the layers of syncopated percussion throughout each song (often dominated by the squeaky friction drums known as cuicas). The backing vocalists are exceptional and often add some of the best dimensions to the album: take the call-and-response vocals in the opener, or the glorious refrain of "Taj Mahal". While I found the album's first half exceptional, some its second seemed to be trying the same ideas to slightly diminished effect. "Camisa 10 Da Gavea" has a great counter melody on flute, but doesn't have the same drive or rhythmic intensity as some of the earlier tracks. The last last two tracks redeem things slightly, with "Cavaleiro de Cavalo Imaculado" returning propulsion and the finale closing proceedings on a note of anthemic passion with its chorus of layered vocals. I had a great time with "Africa Brasil" album and feel keen to go into more of Ben Jor's work as well as that of his contemporaries. My only other slight gripe is that whenever I have it stuck in my head in future, I'll need to clarify to everyone that I am singing "Taj Mahal" and not "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy".
Really enjoyed the sound. I honestly wish there were more non-english language albums on this list. Plan to listen to more of the artist in the future. 3.5/5
I’m not sure what type of music this is. Maybe some samba influence but also plenty of electric guitar and some African beats. The first song is excellent as is the title song to finish up. It has a real angsty feel even though I have no idea what the lyrics are saying. Interesting sounds and I’ll listen to it more for sure.
la légende raconte qu’après des semaines d’absence, le soleil est revenu en Belgique au moment exact où j’ai cliqué sur play
Wow this music makes me wanna dance, makes me wanna play football makes me wanna understand and live the Brazilian lifestyle Groovy, catchy, tropical. African roots mixed with South American, a can't miss mix 4/5
Not really my thing, but was fun to listen to. Sounds like the kind of music that gets sampled in other songs. :)
An unknown artist for me, and what a treat to enjoy the entertaining rhythms from South America! That's what I hoped for when I signed up here.
Another classic in World music. I find that non-American artists have an easier time including unique sounds into their compositions, which is refreshing. I enjoyed hearing all the parts in these songs, and they provided something new with each listen. Even though it’s a different language than English, the record is still very listenable.
Blusey, funky African, Brazilian roots rock. Play this and embarrass yourself when you're dancing and everyone thinks you're appropriating two different cultures when you're not - this just has fucking tunes! Best Tracks: Ponta De Lanca Africano; Taj Mahal; Xica Da Silva
Cool album. Probably deserves more recognition than just the whole Rod Steward thing, decent disco funk grooves throughout.
This album is good enough that I can almost overlook how much I normally dislike the sound of the cuica. Certainly Rod Stewart liked one of the songs on here, "Taj Mahal", enough to steal it outright for "Do You Think I'm Sexy"... I don't speak a word of Portuguese, but I get the overall period funk vibe (dig the synthesiser as well); no idea about its place in the overall scheme of "world music" (ergh) but I liked it a lot. And not enough songs name-check Hermes Trismegistus...
Catchy as hell. Some of the lyrics are pretty clever, from what I could tell by reading them on Google Translate, but it doesn't really come across in the music, so I'm hesitant to give a higher score. A worthy entry that I probably won't think about again. Best track: Ponta de Lança Africano (Umbabarauma)
Not really my usual thing, I really enjoyed this though. It doesn't sound anywhere near as old as it is, the production values are great, it's all so crisp and clear. There are super funky beats throughout, and despite not understanding a word of the lyrics, I find myself humming along because some of these songs are obscenely catchy. A very nice surprise to find.
Foreign language albums are tough to judge on lyrics, obviously, but the rhythms were nice and I enjoyed it.
Favorites: Ponta de Lança, Hermes, O Plebeu, Xica, Historian, Africa Brasil One of the greatest Brazilian albums, Jorge blends funk and samba in his career defining album.
strong fun energetic album. even though there's not a word on it i understand, i enjoyed the cool brazilian sound. almost a 4, but i don't think i'll really return to this.
L’album est bien tombé. un vendredi gris et cela a mit de la couleur en fin de journee on a danser et Leonard a beaucoup aime les rythmes african. 3.5
Samba funk with spicy percussion and guitar. 6/10, would like to see more variety/free improv, as well as a timbre change-up.
setentero de wah wah, cantando en portu de brasil. La canción del faraón no se qué es la hostia.
Really fun album. Hadn't heard of the artist before. I doubt I'll listen to this again -- just too frenetic most of the time for my own personal preference -- but I appreciate how good it is.
I think Taj Mahal is my favorite so far...I'd say this album feels like something nice to have on in the background and passively listen to.
Afro-Brazilian-Samba record. Released in 1976. Joyful, no doubt. Probably means more if you were there in the first place.
Not as much my style, but enjoyed the rhythms and sounds. Appreciate the talent. This is not something I would listen to much, but can't deny the album is pretty great.
This is a very good album. It’s eclectic from track to track. Some tracks rock and are full of electricity and some are smooth with a tropic blend. But the one thing that was consistent was that all the tracks slapped - it’s a banger for anytime. Top tracks O Filosofo Meus Filhos, Meu Tesouro Taj Mahal Cavaleiro do Cavalo Imaculado
I've never willingly sat down to listen to a Brazilian Afro-Cubano-Salsa-Pop record. The experience of África Brasil by Jorge Ben was eye-opening. The influence of this type of music and this album, in particular, is easy to pick up. My issue with some different styles of global music is that the repetitive rhythms and verses get frustrating and this record does not difer, still a really good listen.
3.5/5. This was alright, nothing really stood out to me. I liked it, however, because I have not heard a lot of music like this.
Easy listen! 3 stars but only because I like some of the people inspired by him better. -1 star cause the album art creeps me out a little.
This was like Bob Marley, Isaac Hayes, and - like - Jason Mraz had a baby. I mean that in a good way. It was funky and fun to listen to, even though I had no idea what he was singing about. I probably won't ever listen to it again, but I enjoyed it and it is well-deserving of a spot on this list. (On a side note - how did this guy not sue the pants off of Rod Stewart for stealing the melody from Taj Mahal and using it to record Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?).
I enjoyed this. Not something I would listen to regularly, but I'm happy it was on the list. 3 stars.
One of those albums that I listened to the whole thing and didn't even realize it. It was not what I expected. It's hard for me to rate cause I'm not sure I really listened. It just kinda happened in the background.
Primera mitad interesante y divertida. Bossa-funk-africa. En la segunda mitad se hace un tanto pesado, baja el interés
Dvoumila sam se između 3 i 4 jer su neke pjesme stvarno definicija srece (O plebeu) i sve je jako fankiii ali ajde, stroga sam!!
Yeah, good. Not particularly something I'll want to listen to again. Very interesting to hear Rod Stewart's plagiarism, though.
The music is lively, funky, fun. It gets you moving. But for me the lyrics are the most important and engaging part of any song. Not speaking the same language as Jorge makes it hard for me to enjoy it. Not into foreign or world music, I’m just not. Musically though it was much more of a joy than some of the other crap on this list.
Not an album Iv heard of, found this enjoyable no idea what the lyrics mean but does have a good grove to it.
My heart sank when I saw the cover - oh no, another jazz album, I thought. But I was pleasantly surprised! Some really lovely music.
Best Song: Taj Mahal. Upbeat, joyous music. One I will definitely go back to. Worst Song: Cavaleiro Do Cavalo Imaculado. I like the tempo, I don't like that high-pitched honking in the background. Overall: Decent groovy music. Not terribly memorable, but something I can easily imagine listening to on occasion.
Quelle désillusion... Comme vous le savez, eltrapeze et moi-même, robanniversaire, avions prévu de fêter un an de générateur en cette magnifique journée d'hier. À cette occasion, c'était l'album Nevermind de Nirvana, l'un des rares poids lourds encore cadenassés, qui allait être généré par Robert. Ce dernier ne l'avait pas confirmé mais l'information avait fuité depuis un bon moment déjà. C'est pour cette raison qu'eltrapeze et moi-même avions conjointement décidé de signer la veille un « pacte de non agression » afin de mettre en parenthèse le conflit ouvert qui faire rage entre nos deux camps le temps d'une soirée festive qui allait se dérouler au domicile de Robert. Tout avait été organisé par son fils Mike Ladd. Nous devions au cours de l'après-midi dresser une grande table au milieu de la pièce et apporter biscuits apéritifs et boissons. Le moins que l'on puisse dire est que la fête ne s'est pas passée comme prévu. Sous les coups de vingt heures, alors que je discutais calmement avec les Beau Brummels, Mike Ladd entra affolé dans la pièce : « Ils arrivent ! Je les ai entendus dans le couloir ! » Tout le monde alla trouver une cachette. Je m'accroupis derrière un fauteuil et eltrapeze derrière une lampe (eltrapeze est très maigre). Soudain, la porte s'ouvrit. C'est alors que nous nous levâmes et nous exclamâmes « Surprise ! » en cœur. L'enthousiasme laissa soudain place à l'incompréhension. Robert n'était pas avec Kurt Cobain mais avec une personne totalement inconnue. « Ehhhhhhh Africa Brazil !!! Africaaaa Brasiwwww !!! » s'écria celle-ci avant d'embrayer sur un baragouinage des plus incompréhensibles. Personne n'osa répondre quoique ce soit pour ne pas risquer de vexer ce monsieur. Une fois les présentations faites, Robert installa le baragouineur sur une scène située au fond de la pièce devant nos regards médusés. Eltrapeze et moi commençâmes alors à enchainer les toasts au tarama pour oublier notre déception. Robert raccompagna finalement Jorge Ben Jor à la porte à la fin de son baragouin. Une fois celle-ci fermée, la totalité des invités déferla sur ce premier et le tabassa pendant de longues minutes, transformant une soirée d'anniversaire prometteuse en un terrible désastre.
Good groove! Funky guitar work. Didn't understand a word! However, would listen again, could see playing this in background while working on stuff. 3
Good beats, good tunes. I liked this more than I thought I would. I don’t think I’ll listen again but this wasn’t bad.
Jorge Ben deixant enrera la seva samba més chill i propera al soul per donar entrada a ritmes africans i sonoritats del funk, sense perdre la seva identitat pel camí. Interessant experiment de barreja de géneres portada a bon fi
I first got introduced to Brazilian music when I picked up David Byrne's excellent Luaka Bop series in the early 90s and Jorge Ben was featured prominently on the Brazilian Classics discs. Ponta de lanca Africano (Umbabaruama) is a classic track that doesn't seem to age. I also love Jorge Ben's smooooth voice, come to think of it all Brazilian singers seem to have velvety smooth voices, dunno if its the culture or the language that causes this. Taj Mahal is a playful tune and its more fun than Rod Stewart's knock-off.
An interesting sound and a few diverting enough tracks but not something I'd choose to listen to again.
Blaaah, ekassa biisissä soitanta tuntu jaksavan kantaa mielenkiintoa, mutta lopputulos vahva "meh".
What in the world? Is Taj Mahal a cover of "If you think I'm sexy"...? It's upbeat and weird.
Not as bad as expected - decent rhythms and guitar throughout but can’t see me looking this one out again
Ok lads we’re up to 1000 albums. We just need one more and we’re done We got a foreign language album in there yet? Nope? You know of one? My cousin Anthony knows a guy. He’s like Mexican or Puerto Rican or some shit. Ok I think we got our book.
first song is good. so far it’s good three songs in but it’s not something i would listen to. kinda repetitive but not too annoying. average i like the fast pace though. 2/5
The horns are ridiculous. It sounds like Donkey Kong level music. But it also has funky upstroke guitar.
Funky Brasilian/Latin American beats. Not really my jam, but in the right setting this could be a cracker album. Definitely think the back half of the album is better than the front. Had to re-listen to Rod Stewart's 'Da Ya think I'm sexy' to hear the similarities in 'Taj Mahal' that would constitute a settlement. Best: Meus Filhos, Meu Tesouro; África Brasil Worst: O Plebeu
Taj Mahal and Xica da Silva are the only slightly memorable songs. Taj Mahal was the basis for Do Ya Think I'm Sexy by Rod Stewart.
This is undoubtedly one of the better attempts to incorporate funk into Brazilian music, but that isn't saying much. It just means that it isn't outright embarrassing like Tony Tornado's output, another James Brown imitator. Actually, that's not quite fair. Jorge Ben is more taking the path of tackling American funk by way of Fela Kuti, which is to say that he's diluted and dumbed down the American funk elements before incorporating them, which probably also accounts for Africa Brasil's appearance on this list. (It also probably doesn't hurt that the opening track from Africa Brasil was included on the David Byrne anthology Beleza Tropical: Brazil Classics 1.) That Fela strategy isn't as difficult as straight imitation and allows for a more balanced fusion as well. There's another reason using Fela as a touchstone makes sense. The call and response elements so central to Fela's music are also central to the Samba-de-Roda style that came out of Bahia, which is explicitly African in origin. That's all well and good, but the unfortunately, the result is rather bland. The funk aspect is generic, and the main thing, aside from Jorge Ben's voice, that gives this music some Brazilian character is prominent use of the Cuica drum, with its characteristic talking squeak. Also, the melodies are undistinguished, even if Ben's singing is fine. All this makes for a pleasant enough, if dull listen. But when you think of of all the absolutely magical Brazilian albums they could have picked for this list, it's a real head scratcher. Well, actually not so much, if you want to be lazy and follow mainstream critical thinking, led by tastemakers like David Byrne (nothing against him). The sad thing is, as weak as Brazilan/funk fusions usually are, there are much better attempts at American funk/Brazilian music that could have been chosen, like Banda Black Rio's Maria Fumaça or Dom Salvador E Abolição's Som, Sangue E Raça. But that would require actual taste and critical thinking
October 11, 2021 I liked the first song but it kind of went downhill from there. OK but I didn't get very into it.
Ook best leuk en vrolijk voor een keer. Werkt wel goed op een feestje lijkt me, maar niet thuis.
Kind of boring, found myself drifting off and not really paying attention to the music.
Nothing much against it, but not my cup of tea. I like some Sergio Mendez, but this wasn’t quite up to that level.
they sing portuguese .. can't listen to it. the music sounds good i'd like it if it was in spanish or english
Sounds like Sims loading music. Pretty catchy, but mostly background songs