This is a compilation of
samba
from the collecting hands of
David Byrne
of
Talking Heads
fame. The selections primarily focus on the modern forms of the genre, more specifically on the studio end of the spectrum, with little or no relation to the large-scale productions associated with Carnaval in Rio. There are bits of reference to the classic
sambas
of the '60s in the songs here, and explorations into
jazz
on the side. Nods to
Afro-Cuban
influences are thick in the lyrics, going so far as to have a full song from the Candomble traditions based on the Yoruba
orishas
. Beyond this, though, there's a whole range of modern Brazilian music present in the background of these tracks, as slighter influences from
MPB
and
Tropicalia
quietly creep in now and then. The main force here though is the creative energy of a number of newer
composers, forming exceptional works for the various singers. It can range from frenetic to extremely relaxed, but it's always solid music. It's the range of coverage, perhaps, that makes the album worth hearing. As such, it makes an outstanding jumping-off point for further listening in the realm of the
. ~ Adam Greenberg