Search - Jorge Ben :: Samba Esquema Novo

Jorge Ben's first album, from 1963

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 01/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Marvellous. A long overdue and reasonably priced reissue of Jorge Ben's dazzling debut album. This album helped revitalize Brazilian pop at a time when the bossa nova craze had largely played itself out... This record opens with his version of "Mas, Que Nada," the hit song that made Jorge Ben and internationally known songwriter. Here Ben works with several of the best samba-jazz and pop bandleaders of the bossa era, including Maestro Gaya, Meirelles, and Luiz Carlos Vinha... Combined with Ben's sleek vocals, each arranger spins magic. Some of the best songs on here, such as "Vem, Morena, Vem," have been neglected over the years, while others such as "Chove Chuva" are perennial favorites. Listening to the album in its entirety is highly recommended -- it not only captures a bright new voice coming through at a special moment in time, it also just sounds great as a cohesive piece of work. Highly recommended."

The King!!!!!!!

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | 03/23/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Mas, que nada", was the first song written by Ben. Can you believe? This album is a prelude of a brilliant career. The three first solo albums (Samba esquema novo, Sacundim Ben Samba and Ben é samba bom) ,the period 1969-1976 (8 albums: From Jorge Ben to Solta o Pavão), and the 1979-81 period (out of Polygram) marked the climax of the brazilian music.Jorge Ben: The TRUE genius."