Jamelão is a fundamental performer in the Brazilian discography. Educated in the gafieiras, dancing halls where high standards of musicianship developed a full of swing, typical Brazilian orchestration, he became a romantic singer, basically specializing himself in the interpretation of one of the most important Brazilian composers,
Lupicínio Rodrigues. The broad-ranged, potent voice of
Jamelão is never put at the service of an obvious, condescending rendition, exploring a hearty sensitivity instead. Rodrigues, in spite of his declared preference for the sad tones in urban chronicling, has an original, creative quality that saves his production from kitsch and forgetfulness. He has been performed by tropicalistas like
Caetano Veloso and world pop stars like
Arnaldo Antunes, being very much alive in the soul of Brazilian people.
Jamelão recorded two albums entirely dedicated to avulse ' works, 1972's Jamelão Interpreta Lupicínio Rodrigues and 1987's Recantando Mágoas - Lupi, A Dor E Eu. The case in point is a compilation taken from these two previous releases, enriched with avulse tracks. The best and biggest hits of Rodrigues and
Jamelão are here: "Vingança," "Cadeira Vazia," "Nervos de Aço," "Quem Há de Dizer," "Nunca," "Volta," and "Castigo." In all songs,
Jamelão is wonderfully backed by one of the most important Brazilian orchestras; the Orquestra Tabajara from Severino Araújo is a typical gafieira orchestra, and in its execution one can grasp the true reinvention of the jazz big bands in the truest Carioca spirit.