CARTOLA AO VIVO

Unlike many illustrious composers (and not just samba composers), Cartola was a great performer of his own music. Besides the accurate technique (tuning, timbre, dynamics), Agenor de Oliveira sings with striking emotional density. This recording brings his final live performance, on December 30, 1978 (he would pass on in November, 1980, at age 72). The 11 tracks are worth twice as much, due to the power of gems like Acontece, Amor Proibido, Sim, As Rosas Não Falam, Peito Vazio, Inverno do Meu Tempo all of which belonging to the samba-tune realm. A pioneer of the modern samba, Cartola became more known for his slow songs than for more groovy themes that also appear in this CD, such as Alegria, Alvorada, Verde Que Te Quero Rosa and O Sol Nascerá. A classic by this pop luminary. (Tárik de Souza)