Search - Paulinho Da Viola :: Bebadachama: Serie Ao Vivo

A real encyclopedia of samba

Timothy J. Gollin | Houston, TX United States | 11/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the many wonderful qualities of Paulinho da Viola's music is his archaeological desire to ensure that the great sambas of the past fifty years are not forgotten. Moreover, Paulinho's interpretations of classic sambas are often more elegant, better sung, better presented than the originals. It's as if he is able to dig into the composer's mind and perform a samba as it was originally conceived, with the benefit of his elegant voice and just-right arrangements. Each Paulinho performance on this live album is a small polished gem; each speaks for itself, each is thoughtful, each says something about the music and about samba in general. The lack of egotism in the presentation of other composers' works is also evident in Paulinho's presentation of his own compositions. In general, this album is a tribute to samba past and present. If you're expecting Carnaval in Rio, think again. This is 'chamber samba'. It is filled with musicality, with characteristic formality and polish, and with respect for the music, while it maintains the informality which makes great music great."