Editorial Reviews

This nice, basic compilation of samba covers a number of the great composers. The bands on this album are probably less known than the songs, but that's the result of dual influences: the relative obscurity of many of these bands, and the primacy of the composer in samba. The music is performed exquisitely, with many of the classic styles represented. There's a piece here from Zeca Pagodinho, one from Paulinho da Viola, one from Martinho da Vila, and numbers from lesser-known but equally good artists (Agepê, Benito di Paula). The styles shift from full-out assaults of the samba school to lower-key croon-filled numbers with simple samba backings. The name value here isn't much beyond the composers, but it's a very nice introduction to the realm of samba, and a perfect place to make a quick foray for new listeners before investigating bigger-name performers in greater depth. Adam Greenberg, All Music Guide

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