November 30, 2011

TRIBO MASSAHI - Estrelando Embaixador (1972) / EMBAIXADOR - 45 (19??)




Tribo Massàhi is a perfect example of how user-generated content online is overturning how we create cultural canons. This obscure gem has been posted on a great many blogs over the last several years. Though seemingly much loved, details about the album or its creators still remain unknown. La Colmena de Humo seems to have pulled together a few facts. Apparently the lead songwriter—known as Embaixador (Ambassador)—appeared in at least one film in Brazil, playing a gangster in the James Bonds-like musical Roberto Carlos em Ritmo de Aventura (1968), and is reported to have died in the 90s. I am assuming he recorded the single first, a more conservative affair as evidenced by the tamer version of "Fareuá" on the B-side, before making an ensemble album, Estrelando Embaixador, under the collective name Tribo Massàhi. The production quality and experimentation on the Tribo Massàhi recording is an exponential leap forward from the the 45. Estrelando Embaixador  is candomblé-inspired psychedelic party music, taking the Afro-Brazlian sound into some wild territory. It's a heady mix of tropicalismo, chimed guitar, conversational chatter, studio fuckery, and heavy percussion with a female chorus. The songs blend together so that each side of the record runs as a continual piece. Side A is called "Timolô, Timodê;" Side B "Lido's Square."

A few notes: Though the original record Estrelando Embaixador plays nonstop start to finish on each side, I have separated the tracks here for your mp3/deejay convenience. I also tried to slightly clean up the sound, but the higher bitrate here may be misleading; I appropriated the same source files as posted on Brazilian Nuggets, which is where I bid you go if you prefer the unedited files. I also just ripped the singles for the Embaixador 45 off of Youtube because that's the only way to hear them so far to my knowledge. More info in the comments section.

AMBASSADOR

8 comments:

Murky Recess said...

Players on Estrelando Embaixador:

Aymmi, Koffi, Korede, Kolawole, Duro Timi, Omopupa, Iyalode, and Abeke.

Lápis (cow bells), Romildo (Bass), Rui Barbosa (Acoustic guitar), and Nathalie (vocals).

Thanks again to La Colmena de Humo for the info.

Jo/No said...

Wow, thanks a lot Murky! This certainly looks interesting!

You may enjoy my latest post with a screwed down Perfidia:

www.jonosaudio.blogspot.com

Holly said...

Thank you, Murky!

williams said...

thanx man, was looking for this one!!! amazing grooves

Anorbert said...

Great album. Thanks

Anonymous said...

link appears to be damaged, will no longer dl
great website though
torch

marcelo monteiro said...

Hi,the information that Embaixador reported to have died... where did you get? The album is about to complete 40 years. I am a journalist, would be great to talk with him or anybody involved in the album. Can you help? Thanks. Marcelo Monteiro

oblogblack@gmail.com

TomTorres said...

great album...thx for the d/l :)