Marku – Marku
1976
R$190,00
Limited edition of 100 copies, hand-numbered. 180g, remastered from analog master. Includes unique liner notes from artist and previously unseen photos.
ABOUT THE ALBUM
In the fertile ground of 1970s Brazilian music, Marku Ribas's self-titled 1976 album emerges as a tour de force of creativity and rhythm. Following his impressive debut, this record solidifies his status as a unique voice, delivering a potent and exhilarating fusion of musical styles. Backed by a stellar lineup of musicians, including the legendary João Donato, Wilson das Neves, and Luizão Maia, along with a horn section featuring Oberdan Magalhães of Banda Black Rio, Marku crafts a sound that is both deeply rooted in Brazilian tradition and boldly experimental.
The album is an overwhelming mix of different styles and rhythms, kicking off with the infectious swing of “Zi Zambi,” a track with a captivating and contagious rhythmic drive. Marku proves to be a pioneer with “Meu Samba Regue,” one of the earliest fusions of samba and reggae, propelled by a slick and unforgettable bassline. The sonic exploration continues with the Caribbean rhythms of “La pli Tombe,” a traditional Martinican folk song adapted by Ribas. The raw energy of samba is on full display in the percussive “In Via Brasil,” featuring the group Nosso Samba.
Throughout the album, the arrangements are fantastic and inventive. “Deixa Comigo” invites the listener to get lost in the groove, while “Curumim” delivers a chillingly beautiful melodic line. The record closes with the monumental “Kazumbanda,” a stunning instrumental performance that showcases Ribas's powerful vocal interpretation and the band's incredible chemistry. It's a journey into Afro-Brazilian psychedelia that perfectly captures the spiritual and experimental essence of the entire work.
Decades after its release, Marku remains a landmark of the 'Black Rio' movement. It’s a raw, soulful, and deeply percussive statement from an artist at the peak of his powers. For any fan of adventurous funk and Brazilian grooves, this album is an essential discovery.
TRACKLIST & CREDITS
1. Zi Zambi (4:34)
Composer: Marku Ribas
Donato (El. Piano, Harp string), Chiquito (Guitar), Luizão (Bass), Pascoal (Drums), Hermes (Tumba), Marku (Percussion, effects, vocals), Miucha (Vocals)
2. Coisas de Minas (3:47)
Composer: Marku Ribas
Donato (El. Piano, Clavinet), Chiquito (Guitar), Luizão (Bass), Wilson (Ximbau, Tumba), Hermes (Tumba, Bongo), Marku (Triangle, Flamboyant, Ganzá)
3. Meu Samba Reguê (3:40)
Composer: Marku Ribas
Donato (Clavinet), Chiquito (Guitar), Marku (Acoustic Guitar, Vocals), Luizão (Bass), Mamão (Drums), Hermes (Tumba), Adilson (Timbale), Ariovaldo (Cowbell)
4. La Pli Tombé (4:13)
Composer: Martinique Folklore / Adaptation: Marku Ribas
Donato (El. Piano, Vocals), Chiquito (Guitar), Luizão (Bass), Aladim (Drums), Hermes (Tumba), Marku (Quinto, Triangle, Cowbell, Flamboyant, Vocals)
5. Canaviá (3:57)
Composer: Marku Ribas
Donato (El. Piano), Chiquito (Guitar), Marku (Acoustic Guitar, Tumba, Triangle, Ganzá, Jawbone, Vocals), Luizão (Bass), Wilson (Drums), Hermes (Tumba), Geraldo (Tamborim), Miucha (Vocals), Georgiana (Vocals)
6. Kaçuada (3:43)
Composer: Marku Ribas
Tenório Jr. (El. Piano solo), Donato (El. Piano, Harp string, Timbale), Chiquito (Guitar), Luizão (Bass), Aladim (Drums), Hermes (Tumba), Marku (Bambu, Vocals)
7. Deixa Comigo (4:14)
Composer: Marku Ribas
Tenório Jr. (El. Piano), Chiquito (Guitar), Marku (Acoustic Guitar, Vocals), Luizão (Bass), Aladim (Drums), Ariovaldo (Tumba)
8. Curumim (4:00)
Composer: Marku Ribas
Donato (El. Piano, Harp string), Tenório Jr. (El. Piano, Harp string), Chiquito (Guitar), Luizão (Bass), Wilson (Drums w/ cowbell), Hermes (Tumba), Marku (Vocals)
9. In Via Brasil (2:19)
Composer: Marku Ribas
Conjunto Nosso Samba, Pascoal (Caixa, Ximbau), Wilson (Quinto), Marku (Tumba, Vocals), Miucha (Vocals), Ana Maria (Vocals), Georgiana (Vocals)
10. Kazumbanda (6:04)
Composer: Marku Ribas
Donato (Clavinet), Chiquito (Guitar), Marku (Acoustic Guitar, Vocals), Luizão (Bass), Wilson (Drums), Hermes (Tumba, Bongo), Manoel Araujo (Trombone solo)
ALBUM CREDITS
Orchestra Arrangement: João Donato
Base Arrangement: All on
Artistic Direction: Paulo Rocco
Production Direction: Talmo Scaranari
Sound Engineers: Don Lewis, Luiz da Urca, Luigii
Recorded from 9/10/75 to 15/1/76 at Level Cine Studio, Rio de Janeiro
Production: Marku Ribas