SUCESSOS DE ZÉ KÉTI

This is the first solo album by Rio de Janeiro native, samba star José Flores de Jesus, a.k.a. Zé Keti, dead November of 1999 at age 78. The disc was originally released on the label Mocambo, in 1967. At that time, it was usual that samba composers would have their music recorded by "professional" singers. Nonetheless, Keti is a good interpreter, although the repertoire could have been a little tighter. Máscara Negra, Opinião, Acender as Velas, Cicatriz and the obscure tracks Favelado, Poema de Botequim and Queixa are fine examples of his celebrated compositions. The CD closes with the masterpiece Mascarada, written with Elton Medeiros.(Tárik de Souza)