Record Reviews

GRUPO UM ~ MARCHA SOBRE A CIDADE EDITIO PRINCEPS 01 ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 1977 - 1979 Released: 2002 This is the reissue of the debut album by legendary Brazilian Grupo UmFind albums by this artist, which was the pioneering Jazz-Rock-World Fusion ensemble in the country. The group was founded by musicians who played with legendary Brazilian figures like Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist and Egberto GismontiFind albums by this artist and consisted of brothers Lelo NazarioFind albums by this artist (keyboards) and Zé Eduardo NazarioFind albums by this artist (drums), bassist Zeca AssumpcaoFind albums by this artist, percussionist Carlinhos GoncalvesFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Mauro SeniseFind albums by this artist. This reissue presents the original album (six tracks) with two bonus tracks, one being an outtake and the other originating from the first attempt to record this album two years earlier, which features saxophonist Roberto SionFind albums by this artist. All the material is original and was composed by the ensemble members, mainly by the Nazario brothers. Stylistically the album is close to the early Weather ReportFind albums by this artist albums, but with more emphasis on the Brazilian folkloristic accents and in many respects with more freedom and space. Of course this was almost a decade after the early Weather Report albums were recorded and the influence took its time to reach Brazil, but Grupo Um really showed they can do it as good if not better and with vengeance. Some of the free form passages on this album are among the best ever in this particular idiom and in retrospect leave many contemporary ensembles way behind. Although it might sound pompous or over exaggerated, this album is an absolute classic of the Jazz-Rock-World Fusion idiom, with very few equals and in almost forty years since it was recorded there was hardly anything better recorded in this style than this album. It took me ten years to get a copy of this album (courtesy of Zé Eduardo) but it was more than worth the wait. It is an eye (ear) opener of a monumental scale and although it´s impossible to find, try to get it!

Updated: 08/08/2016Posted: 08/08/2016

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

GRUPO UM ~ NINETEEN SEVENTY SEVEN FAR OUT 254 (Barcode: 5065007965962) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 1977 Released: 2026 This is an archival album, which presents the previously unreleased 2nd album by the great Brazilian ensemble Grupo UmFind albums by this artist, which precedes their official debut album by a couple of years. At that stage the ensemble was expanded from the original trio comprising of brothers Lelo NazarioFind albums by this artist (keyboards) and Zé Eduardo NazarioFind albums by this artist (drums) and bassist Zeca AssumpcaoFind albums by this artist, to include also saxophonist Roberto SionFind albums by this artist and percussionist Carlinhos GoncalvesFind albums by this artist. The trio gained experience by performing as members of the band led by legendary Godfather of Brazilian Jazz Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist. The album presents six original compositions, five by Lelo Nazario and one co-written with Zé Eduardo Nazario. The music is an absolutely staggering amalgam of Jazz, Fusion, Avant-Garde and Brazilian Folkloristic influences, combined in a unique way. Although the three albums Grupo Um recorded in the late 1970s and early 1980s (“Marcha Sobre A CidadeFind albums with this title” / “Reflexões Sobre A Crise Do DesejoFind albums with this title” / “A Flor De Plastico IncineradaFind albums with this title”) are all Masterpieces of Jazz-Rock-World Fusion, this album, recorded in the earlier stage, presents some measure of creative naiveté and openness, which were quite naturally lost with time, especially the Avant-Garde / experimental touches. All instrumentalists are obvious virtuosi already at that early stage of their careers, which of course was evident throughout their later careers. The album was released by the British Far OutFind albums on this label Recordings, a label specializing in Brazilian music, which released many superb reissues / archival releases, which are absolutely worth their weight in gold and all worth being discovered. Overall, this is a wonderful gem brought back to daylight, which offers another glimpse at the fascinating Brazilian Jazz / Fusion scene, which produced some fascinating music, which sadly is often little known outside of the native country and deserves to be heard by all fans of truly interesting music. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 24/06/2026Posted: 24/06/2026

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend