Clementina de Jesus
Clementina de Jesus
1966
Why This Album Matters
Clementina de Jesus's self-titled debut album, released in 1966, is a fundamental landmark in Brazilian music, introducing to the wider public one of the most authentic and visceral voices of samba and Afro-Brazilian culture. At 63 years old, Clementina, affectionately known as "Rainha Quelé" and "Mom", emerged as a living guardian of ancestral rhythms and chants, translating for modernity the power of partido-alto, jongo, and work and religious songs with a moving honesty. This recording work not only launched the solo career of a singular artist, but also rescued and immortalised forms of musical expression that were at risk of being lost. Her husky and powerful voice, laden with history and emotion, became a link between Brazil's enslaved past and its present, synthesising the Afro-Brazilian identity and the genesis of urban Carioca samba.
Context
Clementina de Jesus da Silva was born in 1901 in Valença, Rio de Janeiro, and moved to the capital as a child. For over two decades, she worked as a domestic helper, living the typical life of the Carioca suburbs, the cradle of samba. Her connection to samba was long-standing, having frequented the samba circles of the Oswaldo Cruz neighbourhood and paraded in schools such as Portela and Mangueira. Her life changed in 1963, when she was "discovered" by the composer and producer Hermínio Bello de Carvalho, who invited her to participate in the show "Rosa de Ouro". The success of the performance propelled her professional career and led her to record her first solo album with Odeon in 1966, already at the age of 63.
Recording
The album Clementina de Jesus was released by the Odeon record label in 1966. The album's production featured the assistance of Hermínio Bello de Carvalho, a crucial figure in her discovery and the start of her artistic journey. Jorge Teixeira da Rocha was the recording engineer, while Z. J. Merky served as technical director. The LP cover contained notes written by Hermínio Bello de Carvalho himself.
Songs
The album's repertoire is a rich tapestry of Afro-Brazilian rhythms, including partido-alto, jongo and root sambas. Tracks such as "Piedade", "Cangoma Me Chamou", "Barracão É Seu", "Tava Dormindo" and "Orgulho, Hipocrisia (Quem Espera Sempre Alcança)" highlight the depth and authenticity of her interpretation. Songs like "Tute de Madame" and "Vinde, Vinde Companheiros" also feature on the work. The lyrics, many from oral tradition or from samba masters, are everyday anecdotes and expressions of faith and resistance, sung with the unique quality of her voice which became her trademark.
Legacy
Despite a late professional career, Clementina de Jesus became one of Brazil's most popular singers, recognised for her contribution to carnival music and her identification with the common people. The album Clementina de Jesus was the first of a solo discography that would extend to four LPs, in addition to various collaborations with big names in MPB. Her authenticity and the purity of her samba made her a sought-after figure for artists like Pixinguinha and João da Bahiana, who were eager to connect with her direct link to the roots of samba. She was celebrated by Elton Medeiros with the song "Clementina, Cadê Você?" and by Clara Nunes with "PCJ, Partido Clementina de Jesus", written by Candeia, both tributes that demonstrate the impact of her art. In 1983, she received tributes from various artists, including Paulinho da Viola, João Nogueira and Elizeth Cardoso, in a show at the Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro.
Rankings
Tracks
Credits
Nelson Martins Dos Santos
Hermínio Bello De Carvalho
Z. J. Merky
Jorge Teixeira Da Rocha
Reny R. Lippi
Hermínio Bello De Carvalho
Films
Books
Mulheres pretas da cultura Elza Soares, Clementina de Jesus e Dona Ivone Lara
Coletivo Narrativas Negras · 2022
Elaborado pelo Coletivo Narrativas Negras, este livro explora as histórias de mulheres negras brasileiras que serviram de inspiração e transformaram a cultura, dedicando-se a figuras como Clementina de Jesus, Elza Soares e Dona Ivone Lara. É um estudo cultural e biográfico relevante que oferece uma análise aprofundada sobre a trajetória, o impacto e a representatividade de Clementina de Jesus no cenário musical e social, o que é crucial para compreender o contexto de seu álbum de 1966.
The 500 Greatest Brazilian Albums of All Time
Ricardo Alexandre · 2022
The election was spearheaded by journalist Ricardo Alexandre, creator of the Discoteca Básica podcast. Ricardo consulted 162 specialists including journalists, YouTubers, podcasters, musicians, record-shop owners and producers. The result was published as a 200-page hardcover book, with graphic design by Fernando Pires.
Rosa de ouro, Aracy Côrtes e Clementina de Jesus
Charles Gavin, Hermínio Bello de Carvalho, Elton Medeiros, Paulinho da Viola, Nelson Sargento · 2017
Este livro aborda o projeto coletivo 'Rosa de Ouro', um espetáculo teatral que levou a informalidade das rodas de samba do Rio de Janeiro aos palcos. Contou com a participação de expoentes da música brasileira como Clementina de Jesus, Aracy Côrtes, Elton Medeiros, Paulinho da Viola e Nelson Sargento. É uma obra fundamental para entender o contexto artístico e a contribuição de Clementina de Jesus em um dos momentos mais importantes de sua carreira, contemporâneo ao lançamento do álbum de 1966.
Analyses
Discos para descobrir em casa - 'Clementina de Jesus ... - G1
g1.globo.com
Gravado sob direção musical de Nelson Martins dos Santos (1927 - 1996), o maestro Nelsinho, o álbum Clementina de Jesus ganhou forma no estúdio com alguns dos melhores músicos do Brasil.
Discos para descobrir em casa - 'Clementina de Jesus', Clementina de ...
tvkweb.com.br
Sem se intimidar com esse luxuoso acompanhamento, Clementina de Jesus se mostrou a dona do terreiro nas dez faixas do disco. O álbum Clementina de Jesus foi aberto com Piedade, partido alto de autoria desconhecida.
PDF Negritude, tempo e política no LP Clementina de Jesus (1966)
anppom.org.br
This text analyses the first LP of Clementina de Jesus, released in 1966, and points out to some meanings of this LP and its place in the popular music field of the 1960's.
Cliquemusic : Disco : CLEMENTINA DE JESUS
cliquemusic.com.br
Clementina de Jesus (1966) 1966 Odeon MOFB 3463 Faixas 1 Piedade (Folclore) 2 Cangoma me chamou (Folclore) 3 Barracão é seu (Folclore) 4 Tava dormindo (Folclore) 5 Orgulho, hipocrisia (Paulo da Portela) 6 Coleção de passarinhos (Paulo da Portela) 7 Graças pardas (Zé da Zilda, Cartola) 8 Esta melodia (Bubu, Jamelão) 9 Tute de madame ...
Discos para descobrir em casa - 'Clementina de Jesus', Clementina de ...
popeartebrasil.wordpress.com
Gravado sob direção musical de Nelson Martins dos Santos (1927 - 1996), o maestro Nelsinho, o álbum Clementina de Jesus ganhou forma no estúdio com alguns dos melhores músicos do Brasil.
Discogs
Clementina de Jesus – Discogs
discogs.com