Orquestra Afro-Brasileira

★★★★ 80 Anos DAY DREAMER. DL/LP

First album in 50 years brings superb results. Formed in 1941 by composer, trombonist, and percussionist Abigail Moura, Orquestra Afro-Brasileira couched intense percussive workouts in big-band jazz arrangements, crafting modernised Candomblé chants and exploring the fractured nature of black Brazilian identity. The group issued only two LPs before Moura’s impoverished death in 1970, but thanks to the efforts of Beastie Boys co-producer Mario Caldato Jr, Orquestra AfroBrasileira has now reformed with the veteran percussionist Carlos Negreiros at the helm for their first release in half a century. From the opening bars of Abertura, it is clear that

80 Anos is something special, the supreme musicianship expertly captured in a spacious mix that allows us to focus on each instrument, as well as Negreiros’ bittersweet vocals. Songs like Lembarenganga and Agô venerate Candomblé deities and there are fine updates of Palmares and Obaluayê, yielding a dignified and inspired release.