An Introduction to Bossa Nova and Samba Rock

Interested in expanding your music taste? Give samba a try! Samba is a Brazilian genre that is rhythmic and upbeat, coming in many varieties that can appeal to a wide array of audiences. Samba first emerged as a fusion of various styles of percussion and celebratory music in the Afro-Brazilian community of Bahia, Brazil. Modern samba rose to popularity in the 1920s and continued to evolve in the following decades. Samba can be split into distinct subgenres, such as Sambalanço (samba made for lively dancing) and Bossa Nova (jazz and samba fusion). Two samba subgenres emerged in the 1950s and 60s that brought new artists and styles to the mainstream: Bossa Nova and Samba Rock. Both of these styles were influenced by elements of other genres, with Bossa Nova having been influenced by jazz and classical music, and Samba Rock by rock, soul, and some elements of funk.

If you are interested in giving modern samba music a try, here are some of my album recommendations for people who are new to the genre:

Jorge Ben Jor’s Samba Esquema Novo is a standout album in the modern Samba genre. Its title translates to ‘New Style Samba,’ and it indeed was a step in a new direction for the genre. Released in 1963, shortly after the end of what can be considered the first ‘Golden Age’ of samba in the 1930s and 40s, Jor’s style is somewhat relaxed in comparison to earlier samba. The album is a fusion of Bossa Nova and Rock Samba, and it remains upbeat while still being quieter than Jor’s soulful vocals. Jazzy sounds of the trumpet and the distinct rhythm of the tambourine and drums blend perfectly. An ever-present element of the genre, the percussion is truly able to stand at the forefront of the songs on Samba Esquema Novo without being drowned out by the big-band sound of louder samba styles. The soft guitar acoustics are also able to shine and cohesively connect tracks throughout the album, as many pairs of songs share guitar melodies (such as “Chove Chuva” and “É Só Sambar”). The album is one of the most well-known and well-received samba albums of all time, and serves as a good starting point for exploring both Bossa Nova and Samba Rock.

Jazz Samba Encore! is a Bossa Nova album by Stan Getz and Luiz Bonfá, featuring vocals from Maria Toledo on most of its tracks. Stan Getz is one of the most well-known early Bossa Nova artists, with his most popular work being an album made in collaboration with the main creator of Bossa Nova, João Gilberto. Though that album contains most of his hit songs, Jazz Samba Encore! is my personal favorite out of his discography. The album is very jazz-focused, with a quieter bass and drum beat, and prominently featuring trumpet and saxophone solos. Toledo’s vocals pull the album together, as her melodies can both blend with the instrumentation in the background and take the forefront in songs such as “Saudade Vem Correndo.” The album manages to be both lively and calming, and is my favorite album out of the Bossa Nova subgenre.

The band Trio Mocotó was influential in the Samba Rock genre, and their 1977 self-titled album showcases the evolution of the subgenre. The group performed as a backup band for Jorge Ben Jor, helping to establish his signature style that would become the basis for Samba Rock. Their solo music is much livelier than most of Jorge Ben Jor’s songs, with louder beats and vocals. The Trio Mocotó album also features a wide variety of instrumental performances, including large string and brass ensembles, and includes a choir performance on the song “Dilê.” The influence of American rock and funk can be heard throughout the album with the inclusion of electric guitar solos and backing tracks. Trio Mocotó is a great introduction to Samba Rock, and its upbeat music always puts me in a good mood.