Epoca De Ouro Ensemble Cafe Brasil 2 CD

In the mid-'60s, mandolin virtuoso Jacob Do Bandolim gathered together some of Brazil's finest musicians to form Época de Ouro, and enjoyed a great deal of success with the group until his death in 1969. Época de Ouro disbanded after his passing, but reunited under the leadership of César Faria in 1973 and has survived a rotating membership since. Café Brasil, Vol. 2 features the current lineup (still under the guide of Faria) augmented by a series of guest musicians wheeling through some lovely arrangements in the Brazilian style of choro, a style that incorporates the waltz, minuet, and polka, among other styles popular in Portuguese and African music. The outcome is a cheerful blend of polyrhythmic strings anchored by Dino Sete Cordas' seven-string guitar and an impressive display of not only dexterity and virtuosity, but of the players' knack to exercise restraint when necessary. Standouts include the opening cut, "Canta Brasil," performed with the Nó em Pingo d'Agua ensemble, the jovial "Dino Pintando O Sete," led by accordionist guest Sivuca, and the lovely waltz "Ana Carolina," accented by Nicolas Krassik on violin and the satisfying vocals of Ney Matogrosso. ~ Gregory McIntosh

Includes liner notes by Sergio Cabral.

Personnel: Moraes Moreira (vocals, guitar); Arlindo Cruz (vocals, banjo); Ivan Lins (vocals, piano); Elba Ramalho, Lobao, Ney Matogrosso, Zeca Pagodinho, Beth Carvalho (vocals); Cesar Faria (guitar); Jorginho Filho (cavaquinho); Ronaldo do Bandolim, Rodrigo Lessa (mandolin); Nicolas Krassik (violin); Mario Seve (flute, piccolo, saxophone); Cristóvao Bastos (electric piano); Netinho (agogo, shaker); Jorginho Do Pandeiro (tambourine).

Audio Mixers: Luiz C. Rodrigues; Jorginho Do Pandeiro; Paulo Brandao.

Liner Note Author: Sergio Cabral.

Recording information: Acari Records Studios; Cia. Dos Tecnicos Studios, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

Photographer: Arthur Cavalieri.

Arrangers: Cristóvao Bastos; Época de Ouro; Jorginho Do Pandeiro; Sivuca.

Epoca De Ouro Ensemble: Toni, Cesar Faria (guitar); Dino 7 Cordas (7-string guitar); Jorge Filho (cavaquinto); Ronaldo Do Bandolim (mandolin); Jorginho Do Pandeiro (tambourine).

Additional personnel: Ivan Lins, Arlindo Cruz & Sombrinha, Elba Ramalho, Moska, Ney Matogrosso, Zeca Pagodinho, Moraes Moreira.