Convite para Ouvir Maysa

Maysa

1956

Cover of Convite para Ouvir Maysa
Top 100

Why This Album Matters

Convite para Ouvir Maysa is the debut album that marks Maysa's triumphant entry into the Brazilian music scene in 1956, immediately establishing her as a unique voice in samba-canção. The record is notable for featuring eight original compositions by the artist, revealing not only a performer of profound talent but also an original and expressive composer. This inaugural work established the melancholic tone and pessimism that would become hallmarks of her career, elements that Maysa explored with unparalleled intensity. Her ability to translate complex feelings into songs marked the era and defined an aesthetic that would resonate throughout her artistic trajectory.

Context

The story behind the recording of Convite para Ouvir Maysa is as unique as the artist herself. In 1956, Alcebíades Monjardim, Maysa's father, organised an informal meeting with Roberto Côrte-Real and Zezinho, at the time of the Oásis nightclub, so his daughter could sing for them. Impressed, Côrte-Real proposed that Maysa record an album. However, the debut came with specific demands from Maysa's husband, André Matarazzo. He did not permit the singer's photograph to appear on the album cover, which was replaced by orchids on a card bearing the title. Furthermore, André stipulated that Maysa should not assume the role of a professional singer and that all profits be donated to the Cancer Hospital, due to the social disapproval of radio singers at the time and concern for his family's name.

Songs

The album Convite para Ouvir Maysa is composed of eight samba-canções, all written by Maysa herself, demonstrating her precocious genius, given that "Adeus" was composed when she was only 12 years old. The opening track, "Marcada", already introduces the pessimistic tone that would be a constant in her works. Two of the songs, "Tarde Triste" and the autobiographical "Resposta", achieved great success, solidifying Maysa's presence in the music scene. The album's arrangements were carefully elaborated by maestro Rafael Puglielli. "Adeus" and "Resposta" were subsequently released on a 78 rpm record the following year, while "Tarde Triste" also appeared on other 78 rpm records along with other songs.

Legacy

The relevance of Convite para Ouvir Maysa was recognised in 2022, when the album was included in the list of the 500 greatest Brazilian music records, a vote promoted by the podcast Discoteca Básica.

Rankings

Tracks

Credits

A&R

Roberto Côrte-Real

Conductor

Rafael Puglielli

Producer

José Scatena

Vocals

Maysa Matarazzo

Orchestra

Orquestra RGE

Recorded By

Sergio Lara Campos

Films

Books

Analyses

Discogs

Convite para Ouvir Maysa – Discogs

discogs.com