Old school samba genius
Eric C. | 10/09/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Pop star Marisa Monte earned more than a little praise in serious samba circles for producing this perfect album of Portela samba school's elder members. With guest vocals by Marisa, Paulinho da Viola, and Cristina Buarque, there's plenty of variety without taking the spotlight away from the Velha Guarda. Songs by Portela stars like Monarco are featured in backyard-style arrangements: one cavaquinho, one pandeiro, one guitar, and not much else. If you love REAL samba, don't hesitate to grab this one."