Trio Mocoto

As living proof of that cannibalistic link, here is the latest release on Crammed Disc/Ziriguiboom by classic group Trio Mocoto, the fathers of samba soul, the inventors along with Jorge Ben of samba rock. In fact this is the band that backed Jorge on his breakthrough album “Jorge Ben 1969”. After recording 3 highly acclaimed albums in the 70’s they disbanded. By the 90s the Mocoto beat had been rediscovered by a whole new generation of DJs and younger dancers and listeners. After a 20 year hiatus the trio reformed and in 2001 recorded an album Samba Rock.

This second release features the funky wah wah guitar, soul vocals and ebullient presence of the superb Skowa who replaces retired original member Fritz Escovao. Beleza! is split between classics and new compositions. You could point out the guest appearances by Zuco 103 (with Lilian Vieira’s superb vocals on the romantic samba “Onde Anda O Meu Amor”), Max De Castro, Apollo 9 and the drums‘n bass closer “Eu Tambem Quero Mocoto”, but this is samba rock (or samba soul if you prefer) at its funkiest and a superb party record.

These guys just don’t stop, so if you want to dance just put this one on at the beginning and let it go until the end. There is plenty to listen to though if you can still yourself….great pizazzy brass blasts and fills, unbelievably catchy call and response melodies, pumping bass, compulsive electric pianistics, afrobeat, bossa nova or north eastern sounds making a samba bee-line to your hips. Don’t buy this record if you suffer from heart problems though.RJ