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Tudo Azul is the result of a partnership between one of Brazil’s best female vocalists and one of its most prestigious samba schools. What you get is a collection of almost-forgotten classic Carioca sambas dusted off and brought back to life.

Velha Guarda da Portela is quite literally the ‘old guard’ of Carioca samba, brought together to safeguard the songs and traditions of a bygone Rio — here they are helped in their quest by Marisa Monte, whose father Carlos once directed the Portela School.

Nearly one hundred recordings were made in their attempt to document and research the group’s history; twenty-two songs survive, none of which had been captured before, digitally or otherwise. Instead of relying on word of mouth to pass on the sambas, and their accompanying traditions, here they are preserved for all.

As you’d expect the usual array of instruments are present from the infectious percussion to the hypnotic seven string cavaquinho and the occasional squeak of the cuíca. Vocals are shared between the old guard (Casemiro da Cuíca, Jair Do Cavaquinho, Monarco) and a range of guests stars; Cristina Buarque and Moreno Veloso among them.

The gentle power of Marisa’s voice makes a refreshing change to the largely male line-up but is restricted to just two songs, the best being ‘Volta Meu Amor’. Instead the old stars are left to tell their tales — it is their sound and their songs after all.

Track Listing:
1. Portela Desde Que Eu Nasci
2. O Mundo É Assim
3. Nascer E Florescer
4. Vai Saudade
5. Sabiá Cantador
6. A Noite Que Tudo Esconde (with Paulinho da Viola)
7. Eu Te Quero
8. Volta Meu Amor (with Marisa Monte)
9. Falsas Juras
10. Tentação
11. Você Me Abandonou
12. Vem Amor
13. Benjamin
14. Tudo Azul
15. Minha Vontade (with Christina Buarque
16. Sempre Teu Amor
17. Corri Pra Ver
18. Lenço (with Zeca Pagodinho)
19. Acorda, Negro Velho
20. Vou Me Embora Pra Bem Longe (with Moreno Veloso)
21. Voltei
22. Dizem Que O Amor (with Marisa Monte & Jaques Morelembaum)