Branca mete bronca!
The debut solo album of singer, composer, and percussionist Branca di Neve is widely considered one of the most iconic albums of samba-rock music, a rhythm that, born from a dance style practiced by black working-class communities in São Paulo’s rockabilly balls since the late 1950s, blends the swing of big band’s culture with the swagger of samba music. The danceable match between brass instruments and drums stands out on the album, also marked by a lively choir and Branca di Neve’s loose and confident interpretation. When it comes to the tracks, “Nêgo Dito” is irresistible for its melody and plot, telling the story of a street-smart type from São Paulo. Romantic and nostalgic, “Reprise” has a samba-jazz vibe, while “A Cor de Deus” brings a spice of African percussion and a criticism against racial inequalities. The hit “Salgueiro é uma raiz” closes the album, beautifully capturing what belonging to a samba school (in this case, Salgueiro) feels like.