Velha Guarda da Portela

Lined up by senior members of samba school Portela (founded in 1923), the Velha Guarda (Old School) debuted on record in 1970 with "Portela Passado de Glória", produced by Paulinho da Viola. The disc was a big hit and the group began performing and rescuing old sambas and composers that would otherwise have been forgotten. The line up varies, mainly because of the members' advanced ages. After all, to become a member, one must have had "a past". Some illustrious names are Jair do Cavaquinho, Guaracy, Monarco, Casquinha, Argemiro, Davi do Pandeiro, Casemiro and the shepherds (female vocalists) Áurea, Surica, Doca and Eunice. Beth Carvalho, Gilberto Gil, Paulinho da Viola and Marisa Monte are some of the stars who perform in their shows. In 2000, Marisa Monte and Velha Guarda released the album "Tudo Azul", featuring the tracks "Portela Desde que Eu Nasci" (Monarco), "Vai Saudade" (Candeia/ Davi do Pandeiro), "Corri pra Ver" (Chico Santana/ Monarco/ Casquinha) and others.