Jorge Ben - Africa Brasil: Colecao Samba Soul (CD)

All Music Guide

Rhythmically powerful yet enigmatic enough to draw in the listener, and melodically inviting, Jorge Ben's África Brasil is as broad in its scope and appeal as the name would imply. Ben's songwriting and vocal interpretation are similarly understated and charming, each melody unforgettably well crafted. The rich mixture of soul/funk with bossa nova and samba, reflected in the diverse instrumentation, equal parts North American and Brazilian, seduces and captures the imagination. Jorge Ben managed to stay politically neutral in a very charged environment, and was hence able to stay artistically active while many of his peers found their efforts stifled. The lyricism found in África Brasil, though without political thrust, is as clever and inventive as the arrangements. It is exactly this combination of wit and musical invention that turned África Brasil into not only one Jorge Ben's most impactful records to date, but a landmark record for Brazilian crossover as a whole. His intuitive in...terpretation of both the rhythms and harmonies of his native Brazil and the American elements he incorporates draws out the best from both musical worlds. Hearing the cuícas cry alongside a slamming funk bassline is something any music lover could profit from hearing. - Evan C. Gutierrez, All Music Guide Read more Less