The two oldest styles of samba, samba chula and samba de roda, started with the original African slaves who were brought to Salvador in the Brazilian state of Bahia. One of the strongholds of samba is the village of Sáo Braz where septuagenarian brothers Joao de Boi (“John The Ox” - he raises cattle) and Aluminio (named for his shining sweaty face when he played soccer as a kid) sing in stirring duet in Samba Chula de Sáo Braz. For our special performance they are joined by Raimundo Sodre on vocals and guitar who is also very instrumental in keeping the original samba sound alive.

We also talk samba with Randy Roberts known as “Sparrow.” He is a Pelourinho resident and keeper of Cana Brava a record store which is dedicated to preserving Bahian musical culture.

Read, Watch, and Listen to World Cafe Sense of Place: Rio!

Live performances, videos, photo gallery, an interactive map, plus a walking tour of Rio de Janeiro at Sense of Place: Rio.

Session Setlist
Randy “sparrow” Roberts / Ao Recôncavo / Live on World Cafe
Randy “sparrow” Roberts / Filho da Mãe / / Live on World Cafe