Ely Arcoverde Quarteto – Ely Arcoverde Quarteto

This is a spectacular album by one of Brazil's lesser known Hammond players.
As the nightclubs in the late fifties migrated from the large hotel ballrooms to the more intimate "boites", large ensambles gave way to electrified trios and quartets. Hammond centered samba-jazz and bossa nova groups became a staple of the nightclubs, usually playing before and after the evening's main acts. Meant to be played as a background sound, the Hammond was often used as a substitute for vocals. The novelty of the electric organ sounds were a gimmick, with different sounds and voices used to amuse the already tipsy dancers.
Because of that, many Hammond-centered albums didn't stand the test of time and are now considered kitsch, often to the point of derision.
"Ely Arcoverde Quarteto", however, is quite the oposite: A proficient Hammond player, accompained by creative musicians that are well versed in both samba and jazz, creating a very smooth sound, without losing strenght and danceability. The organ sounds are not used as a gimmick, but as a way to provide texture to the melodies.
This is a highly recommended that I believe will become sought after by Brazilian music collectors.