DESCRIPTION
An incredibly unique concept album from the one and only Tom Zé, Estudando do Samba (or Studying The Samba) is a post-Tropicália masterwork filled with hypnotic percussion, inventive arrangements, and experimental sonic textures. Originally released in 1976 by Continental Brazil, this rare and sought-after LP was included in Rolling Stone Brazil’s 100 Greatest Brazilian Albums of All Time list (2007).
Arguably one of Tom Zé’s finest albums, it reflects his unmatched creativity during a fertile period of innovation. Estudando do Samba deconstructs the traditional samba form, infusing it with studio trickery, rhythmic minimalism, and sharp social commentary — redefining what samba could sound like in the hands of a true avant-garde visionary.
The record gained renewed global attention in the late '90s when David Byrne discovered it while crate-digging in Rio. Byrne later included several tracks on his Tom Zé compilation for Luaka Bop, which helped reignite Zé’s career at a moment when he was considering retiring from music altogether. At the time, Tom was playing small shows in São Paulo and contemplating moving back to Irará to work at a cousin’s gas station.
Thanks to Byrne’s intervention, Tom Zé found a new audience and a second creative life — and Estudando do Samba became a cornerstone of that revival.
Official Mr Bongo reissue, licensed courtesy of Warner Music UK Ltd.
TRACKLIST
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Mã
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A Felicidade
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Toc
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Tô
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Vai (Menina Amanhã De Manhã)
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Ui! (Você Inventa)
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Doi
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Mãe (Mãe Solteira)
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Hein?
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Só (Solidão)
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Se
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Índice