Mario Castro Neves & Samba S.A. - Mario Castro Neves & Samba S.A. (1967)

One of the more obscure Brazilian harmony bossa albums of the 60s – yet a set that we'd put right up there next to our favorite work from Sergio Mendes & Brasil 66 – and maybe some of the even groovier acts recording down in Brazil! Mario Castro Neves is best known as a piano player and arranger – and he brings a jazzy vibe to this set, working with a core trio that features Normando on drums and Novelli on bass – while also opening the door to work from female singers Thais and Biba, who soar together in a breezy duet mode – very Brasil 66, but leaner and groovier too – with some scatting qualities that also show an influence from European jazz! There's a sparkling sound here that's strongly influenced by bossa, but which also has some sunnier 60s touches too – and Mario's arranging skills are at an all-time high on the lightly dancing rhythms of the tunes. Titles include "Candomble", "Nana", "E Nada Mais", "Keep Talking", "Once More", "Ta Por Fora", and "Morte De Um Deus De Sal"



Tracklist:
1-1 Mario Castro Neves - Candomblé [2:06]
1-2 Mario Castro Neves - Yearning Lovers [2:08]
1-3 Mario Castro Neves - Nanã [2:27]
1-4 Mario Castro Neves - De Brincadeira [2:09]
1-5 Mario Castro Neves - Bye Bye Blackbird [1:48]
1-6 Mario Castro Neves - E Nada Mais [3:06]
1-7 Mario Castro Neves - Keep Talking [2:21]
1-8 Mario Castro Neves - Vem Balançar [1:57]
1-9 Mario Castro Neves - Once More [1:45]
1-10 Mario Castro Neves - Morte de um Deus de Sal [2:11]
1-11 Mario Castro Neves - Tá por Fora [2:04]
1-12 Mario Castro Neves - Corcovado [2:32]