Vitória da Ilusão

This release is listed in the samba de raiz (rootsy samba) category. Inspired composer Moacyr Luz teamed with one of the best poets of contemporary samba, Aldir Blanc, producing a wonderful release for those who appreciate the genre. Includes “Saudades da Guanabara” (Moacyr Luz/Aldir Blanc/Paulo Cesar Pinheiro), recorded by Leny Andrade on her Coisa Fina. Afro folkloric elements are present in the lyrics and music of “Bença, Nã-Buruquê,” “Filho de Núbia e Nilo,” and “Alafim,” but they are always expressed with sophisticated string or solo cello arrangements. The expressive lyrics have the usual Blanc social criticism (“Só Dói Quando Rio,” “Itajara”) but also pay emotional tributes to Rio (“Centro do Coração,” “Saudades da Guanabara”), to the incurable optimism of the Brazilians (“Mico Preto”), to Carnaval (“Vitória da Ilusão”), and to Nelson Sargento (“Flores Em Vida”). Luz is not a top samba singer, but his results in this capacity are accurate and quite acceptable. A recommended album. – Alvaro Neder