Francis Hime is a carioca composer with a fine feel for samba and choro, freed from commercial concerns and wishing to please his broad fanbase, composed of people who are into the real thing: the true samba and choro tradition, expanded naturally in a cosmopolitan, Y2K setting in which the traditional acoustic instruments of the rodas de samba (cavaquinho, violão, pandeiro) coexist with the orchestral ones. Debuting as lyricist, (a new revelation, as
Hime is known especially by his musical skills), accordingly, his texts are related to a modern Rio, not to an idealized one. The harmonies express the sophistication of
Hime's European education, and he makes a point in not recognizing barriers between the popular and the erudite, being an exceptional melodist. After 12 years without recording (yes, the Brazilian recording industry is mean to sincere proponents), the 58-year-old composer presented by the extraordinary singer
Elis Regina more than two decades ago through "Atrás Da Porta" (
Hime/
Chico Buarque) selected the 12 tracks of this album among 50 compositions, which is evidence of a rigorous selection. Bringing a variety of Brazilian rhythms ranging from samba to baião, with modinha and choro in between, "Toadinha" and "Baiãozinho" are fine instrumental tracks among sung ones. An excellent carioca album, full of the best malandragem one can find in records. ~ Alvaro Neder