Fletcher Henderson Harmony And Vocalion Sessions Vol 2 CD - Import

In Rio the principal watering hole where these musicians practised was the night club simply called Drink. Owned by musician, composer and small time gangster Djalma Ferreira, the Drink was a proving ground for young players and singers like Silvio Cesar, Orlann Divo, Durval Ferreira, Celso Murilo and the place where bassist Ed Lincoln first came face to face with the Hammond B3 organ that was to change his career.

Traditionally, Djalma Ferreira had led the house band but he was constantly indisposed by such trivia as armed attempts on his life and other criminal activity. Djalma's lead chair was taken first by Lincoln and then by Celso Murilo, a young wunderkind from the interior of Minas Gerais who was João Gilberto's favourite accompanist. Other key musicians are represented on this album such as Luiz Bandeira, singer and composer of some note who was also artistic director of the Drink at the time of this recording. Another feature was the young debuting star Sandra who also recorded an album on Pawal, only to be tragically killed in a car crash on the way to receive her Best Newcomer award for 1961. But perhaps the most interesting element on this portmanteau LP is the arrival on the scene of one Wilson Simonal de Castro. Simonal, already signed to Odeon but still unknown, began his glittering career as the main 'crooner' at the club. This recording predates his first Odeon recordings. In fact Wilson opens the album in some great style with his familiar sensual baritone and sense of timing already in evidence at such a young age. Of all the artists on this album Simonal was the one who achieved true superstardom.