A Banda Do Zé Pretinho
Jorge Ben
1978
Rankings
Why This Album Matters
A Banda Do Zé Pretinho, released in 1978, represents a vibrant and accessible chapter in Jorge Ben's extensive catalogue. This album marks the artist's transition to the Som Livre label and the rise of a new band, which not only lends its name to the record, but also consolidates a more pop and electrified sound, which had already been explored in previous works. The work demonstrates Jorge Ben's unparalleled ability to fuse samba, funk, soul, and disco, creating an infectious rhythm that became his trademark. With a festive atmosphere and an irresistible groove, A Banda Do Zé Pretinho reinforces Jorge Ben's genius as one of the pillars of Música Popular Brasileira. The album captivates with its energy and the way Ben reinvented his own musical language, maintaining the rhythmic sophistication and lyrics that celebrate Brazilian culture, football, women, and religiosity, but with a more inviting and danceable guise. It is a record that invites celebration and unity through music, highlighting instrumental diversity and the prominence of popular figures.
Context
Released in the late 1970s, A Banda Do Zé Pretinho emerged during a period of great artistic effervescence for Jorge Ben, who had already consolidated his reputation as an innovator in MPB. The 70s marked the commercial and artistic peak of his career, during which he electrified his guitar and deepened the influences of rock and funk in his characteristic samba-rock. This album, the sixteenth of his career, signals an important change. In addition to switching from Philips to Som Livre, Jorge Ben replaced his then-band, Admiral Jorge V, with the newly formed Banda do Zé Pretinho, which would give a new lease of life and sonic identity to his works. The change of band and record label coincided with a 'pop turn' in his work, making him even more aligned with global musical trends and ensuring greater communication with the public.
Recording
The production of A Banda Do Zé Pretinho was the responsibility of Paulinho Tapajós, with recordings and mixing carried out at Estúdios Sigla, in Rio de Janeiro. The recording process took place between December 1977 and January 1978, consolidating the album's characteristic sound. Recording engineers Don Lewis and Celinho were fundamental in capturing the sound, with the support of studio assistants Jorge, Mário, Carlos, and Cláudio. Editing was handled by Ieddo, while the cover art direction was by Noguchi, with artwork by Rubens and Wanderlen and photography by Fernando de Carvalho. Mastering was carried out by Promaster.
Songs
The repertoire of A Banda Do Zé Pretinho, entirely original and composed without collaborators, reflects Jorge Ben's more pop and accessible phase, addressing recurring themes in his songbook, such as football, women, and religion. The title track, "A Banda do Zé Pretinho", became a great success and a hymn of celebration, with its danceable melody and lyrics that extol unity through music and black protagonism in Brazilian culture. Other highlights include the samba "Amante Amado", which gained national prominence by featuring in the soundtrack of TV Globo's soap opera Dancin' Days, and the football-themed tracks "Troca Troca" and "Cadê o Penalty?". The song "Troca Troca", praised by critics at the time, is a fun reference to the movements of Rio de Janeiro football, while "Cadê o Penalty?" became a classic about the sport. The album also features compositions dedicated to female figures, such as "Bérénice" and "Denize Rei", and religious themes like "Menino Jesus de Praga" and "Viva São Pedro".
Legacy
A Banda Do Zé Pretinho was received very positively by contemporary critics. The newspaper O Pioneiro described it as a 'simple tribute to: The most Brazilian, the most foreign, the tallest, the shortest, and so on'. Diário de Pernambuco also praised the album, highlighting the track "Troca Troca", while Cidade de Santos stated that the record demonstrates 'the standard of Jorge Ben and his Banda do Zé Pretinho'. The album's lasting impact is evidenced by its re-releases and tributes. In 2017, the record was included in a boxset entitled Era Uma Vez a Banda Do Zé Pretinho. In 2018, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of its original release, the album was re-released on LP, on 180-gram vinyl, reaffirming its importance in Jorge Ben's discography and in Brazilian music.