São Paulo - Brasil
Cesar Mariano & Cia
1977
Rankings
Why This Album Matters
São Paulo Brasil, released in 1977 by Cesar Mariano & Cia, is widely recognised as one of the most refined Brazilian jazz-funk fusion albums ever recorded. Considered a masterpiece, the record deserves its cult status and is notable for the depth and sophistication of its instrumental compositions. The album delves deeply into the territory of jazz-funk and fusion, delivering precise and striking drum grooves, intricate arrangements, and rich layers of synthesisers, percussion, and effects. It captures the essence of Brazilian jazz-funk fusion at its peak, narrating an engaging sonic story from the very first beat.
Context
Cesar Camargo Mariano, born in São Paulo in the 1940s, was already a celebrated jazz pianist, composer, and producer in Brazil. Throughout his career, he collaborated with renowned artists such as Elis Regina (to whom he was married), Som Tres, and Sambalanço Trio, ensembles that are considered landmarks of Brazilian jazz. São Paulo Brasil marked Cesar Mariano's second solo album, released eleven years after his first LP, Octeto de Cesar Camargo Mariano, from 1966.
Recording
The album São Paulo Brasil was recorded at Estúdio RCA, in São Paulo, using 16 channels. Cesar Camargo Mariano himself took on the role of producer for the record, ensuring the artistic vision and musical direction of the project.
Songs
The album's eight tracks are a musical portrait of the city of São Paulo, with each song dedicated to an urban attribute, such as the metro or industries. Highlights include "Metrópole", which captures the daily life of a large city with a heavy funk bassline and rhythmic guitar, supporting a beautiful electric piano and conveying different moods, including a memorable bass and percussion break. The track "Fábrica" uses synthesisers as almost wordless vocals, creating melodic sounds, whilst "Poluição" presents a bubbling and contained stream of jazz-funk, with the Fender Rhodes and layered synthesisers operating in conjunction. "Estação Do Norte" stands out for its dragging percussion, alternating use of acoustic and electronic keyboards, and the skilful change of tempo from medium to fast. The rich instrumentation includes brilliant jazzy guitars, Azymuth-style organ riffs, spatial synthesisers, warm bass, and bouncy drums, resulting in effervescent arrangements and grooves.
Legacy
Since its release, São Paulo Brasil has achieved cult status, frequently proclaimed by collectors and enthusiasts as one of the finest jazz-funk/fusion albums of its period. The demand for original vinyl copies has resulted in high market prices. The album has been the subject of several reissues over the years, and its first official reissue outside Brazil, carried out by Mr Bongo, underlined its importance and expanded its global reach. It is considered a classic landmark by musicians and listeners worldwide.
Tracks
Credits
Cesar Mariano & Cia.
Osmar Zan
César Camargo Mariano
Wilson Gomes
Dudu Portes
Crispin Del Cistia
Natan Marques
César Camargo Mariano
Edgardo Alberto Rapetti
José Oswaldo Martins, Pedro Fontanari Filho
Zélio
Rogerio Costa
Silvio Lancellotti
Ramon Sanahuja
Videos
São Paulo x Santos | Chulapa fala sobre rivalidade do clássico - Gazeta Esportiva (27/10/17)
Gazeta Esportiva
Books
Analyses
#102 - Cesar Mariano & CIA. - São Paulo - Brasil (1977) - Ranking dos ...
tudooqueeutenhoadizersobremusica.blogspot.com
César Camargo Mariano is one of the great names in Brazilian music, and São Paulo - Brasil, from 1977, is his greatest legacy to posterity. The members of the CIA accompanying him collaborate, beyond the exuberant performances, in composing the songs; these, in turn, are all original. The album is instrumental, featuring excellent themes, often simple and hummable...
#102 - Cesar Mariano & CIA. - São Paulo - Brasil (1977) - Ranking dos ...
pressenza.com
César Camargo Mariano is one of the great names in Brazilian music, and São Paulo - Brasil, from 1977, is his greatest legacy to posterity. The members of the CIA accompanying him collaborate, beyond the exuberant performances, in composing the songs; these, in turn, are all original.
Cesar Mariano & Cia. - São Paulo Brasil (1977) | Toque Musical
toque-musicall.com
It was the second solo album by Cesar Mariano, or Cesar Camargo Mariano. A highly inspired work that projects the diverse facets of Sampa into our minds. Quite a tribute! But this album wouldn't be what it is if Cesar Camargo hadn't been accompanied by the aces, Crispim Del Cistia, Natan Marques, Wilson Gomes and Eduardo Portes.
Cesar Mariano & Cia. - São Paulo • Brasil
soulstrut.com
I'm not afraid to admit that I'm Brasilian challenged. So, if I'm getting a joint air mailed to me from Rio, you best believe it's got some boom bap! The intro drum break and ensuing funk fusion groove on "Metropole" is straight up ridiculous. The track actually has many interesting parts as it ventures into a late 70s Weather Report type jam that reminds me something A Tribe Called Quest...
