Jorge Ben

By 1969, Jorge Ben had become a quietly disruptive force in Rio's studios, turning routine sessions into moments where rhythms shifted and melodies took unexpected turns. Musicians recall him working fast, reshaping ideas mid-take, following impulse rather than structure. That sense of movement sits at the heart of this release. 'Criola' opens with a warmth that feels almost offhand, as if sketched in one gesture. 'Domingas' follows with a relaxed sway that draws the listener in. 'Pais Tropical' arrives with the charged lift that later made it iconic, while 'Take It Easy My Brother Charles' leans toward imported soul colours without loosening its samba core. Even now, the record feels like a snapshot of creativity unfolding in real time.