Just when you thought you’d discovered all of the Brazilian sounds of vintage samba…
Musical detective/producer Zev Feldman has unearthed a collection of rare and still essential recordings from Brazilian artist Bola Sete. This three disc set brings to light recordings from various intimate concerts from 1966-68 at Seatte’s Penthouse club by guitarist/vocalist Bola Sete, backed by drummer Paulinho and bassist Sebastiao Neto, brought to us from Boa Sete’s estate. There is also a nice booklet with writings from Lalo Schifrin, Carlos Santana, George Winston and Sete’s widow Anne, which put some meat on the bones of these wonderful revelations of sound.
Stylistically, Sete has a guitar style reminiscent of Gilberto Gil, and a voice like Milt Nascimento, rich, lush and intimately warm. His fingers dance on the strings for pieces like “Prelude No. 1”, “Spanish Dance Number 5”, and a collection of sambas such as “Samba de Verao” and “A Felicidade” with deft support from the band mates. Most intriging is his delving into standards, giving a rich Equatorial warmth to “The Shadow of Your Smile” and “Satin Doll”. His interpretation of the Jobim songbook is stellar, with “One Note Samba” and “Corcovado” gently swaying like a soft stroll of the beach sands.
This collection is a musical oasis of subtlety, intimacy, joy and passion, coming at a time when we need a healthy dose of all of the above. Imbibe slowly.