Em Som Maior
Sambrasa Trio
1965
Why This Album Matters
Em Som Maior, released in 1965, is the only album by Sambrasa Trio and represents a fundamental milestone in the evolution of Brazilian instrumental music. This record is a true gem of samba-jazz, a style that was flourishing in Brazil in the 60s and which the trio elevated to a level of virtuosity and innovation. The objective was clear: to fuse Brazilian rhythms, especially samba, with the harmonic and improvisational complexity of jazz, creating an energetic and sophisticated sound. What makes Em Som Maior even more special is the constellation of talents that formed it: Hermeto Pascoal on piano and flute, Humberto Clayber on double bass and harmonica, and Airto Moreira on drums. Individually, these musicians would become colossal figures in Brazilian and world music. Together, in Sambrasa Trio, they demonstrated a chemistry and a vanguardism that, according to the album's original notes, established a 'new phase of modern Brazilian popular music', planting a flag in the country's rich and unparalleled art.
Context
The album emerged in 1965, an effervescent period for Brazilian music, marked by the rise of samba-jazz and a new bossa. This instrumental style, which blended the propulsive swing of samba with the harmonic and improvisational language of modern jazz, gained traction in the nightclubs of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. The members of Sambrasa Trio already had a significant history in this scene. Humberto Clayber and Airto Moreira, for example, had been part of the influential Sambalanço Trio, known for its fusion of bossa nova and jazz. With the departure of pianist César Camargo Mariano from Sambalanço Trio, Airto invited Hermeto Pascoal to take up the position, resulting in the formation of Sambrasa Trio, consolidating a team of instrumentalists who had already been exploring new musical frontiers. Hermeto Pascoal, in turn, had previously led the group Som Quatro and had a trajectory of innovation, paving the way for the sonic experimentation that would become his trademark.
Recording
The recording sessions for Em Som Maior, despite their studio not being explicitly named, were described in the original notes as an 'impressive experience' for all involved. The atmosphere in the studio was tense but productive, with the musicians giving themselves over to a 'sonic cataclysm' that revealed concepts then unknown for the piano-bass-drums formation. The trio's creativity manifested in their instrumental versatility; Humberto Clayber alternated between the double bass and harmonica, whilst Hermeto Pascoal expanded his piano performance to include the flute on several tracks. This fluidity in instrumentation and the intensity of the performances captured on the record contributed to the atmosphere of surprise and innovation that marked the production, highlighting the musicians' ability to reinvent the traditional roles of their instruments.
Songs
Em Som Maior features a selection of compositions that balances original works by the members with reinterpretations of classics and songs by other important Brazilian composers. Tracks such as "Sambrasa", by Airto Moreira, "Coalhada", by Hermeto Pascoal, and "João sem braço" and "Lamento nortista", by Humberto Clayber, showcase the musicians' individual creativity. The album also includes interpretations of "Aleluia" and "Arrastão", by Edu Lobo, "Samba novo", by Durval Ferreira, and "Nem o mar sabia", by Roberto Menescal and Ronaldo Bôscoli. Of particular note is "João Sem Braço", recognised for 'Hermeto's howling flute and Airto's overwhelming percussive work'. The trio's versatility is evidenced in the delicate and 'soft, whispering, subtle' version of "Duas Contas", by Garoto, and in the surprising inclusion of the 1938 carnival march, "A Jardineira", which unexpectedly and joyously concludes the record, demonstrating the breadth of the repertoire and the group's irreverence.
Legacy
After a period of relative obscurity, Em Som Maior was rediscovered and re-released on CD in 2006, as part of the acclaimed Som Livre Masters series, curated by drummer Charles Gavin. This re-edition brought the album to a new generation of listeners and collectors, reiterating its historical importance. The album was praised by critics at the time of its release and contributed significantly to the career development of its members. In the current landscape, it continues to be highly appreciated, with an average of 4.82/5 stars on platforms like Discogs, based on over a hundred reviews, confirming its status as a 'samba-jazz gem'. Although Sambrasa Trio had a short lifespan and recorded only this album, its influence was lasting, paving the way for other important groups, such as Quarteto Novo, which would bring together Hermeto Pascoal and Airto Moreira, and impacting many samba and jazz musicians for years.
Rankings
Tracks
Credits
Humberto Clayber
Airto Moreira
Hermeto Pascoal
Analyses
Em Som Maior – Wikipedia
Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia
Blog do Brenno: Review: Em Som Maior do Sambrasa Trio
obrenno.blogspot.com
O álbum foi lançado pelo selo Som Maior, que na época era conhecido por apoiar projetos inovadores e experimentais. A produção reflete a busca do trio por liberdade criativa e experimentação sonora.
Sambrasa Trio's Em Som Maior: A Jazz-Brazilian Classic
en.debaser.it
Discover the 1965 classic 'Em Som Maior' by Sambrasa Trio, blending Brazilian music with jazz energy and timeless creativity.
Sambrasa Trio - Em Som Maior - ProJazz.net
projazz.net
Em som maior is the only album recorded by Sambrasa Trio, a Brazilian group formed by Hermeto Pascoal, Humberto Clayber and Airto Moreira. It was released on an LP in 1965 and presents a fusion of various musical rhythms, including samba and jazz.
PDF Samba-jazz e música regional: do Sambrasa Trio ao Quarteto Novo
anppom.org.br
A partir dessa breve apreciação comentada de aspectos gerais da sonoridade do Quarteto Novo, podemos tecer algumas considerações, à luz dos comentários anteriores a respeito de faixas do disco Em som maior, do Sambrasa Trio.
Discogs
Em Som Maior – Discogs
discogs.com