Maraca was the great independent forró compacto (single) label of the 1960s. As far as I am aware, they never released 78rpm records and only pressed three LPS, As Mais Do Nordeste (a collection of previously issued singles), a gaucho LP by Cachoeira E Cachoeirinha and a Marinalva album. It seems that the Marinalva LP never made it past the test pressing stage. Final LPs with Maraca labels exist, but none with a Maraca sleeve. As 12 Mais Do Nordeste was issued twice, once with an earlier label and later with an updated one. Sebastião Silva's Congá Do Bomfim may be one of the great compacto classics from Maraca. Luckily, it was issued as both a single and re-released on this LP. Like all Maraca compactos, the original is quite scarce.
Côco Da Roseira is another epic 78rpm saved from extinction by one of a handful of compilations from the 1960s and early 1970s. Jota Fonseca was amazing and straddled the line between the end of the 78rpm and final acceptance of vinyl as primary format for music. 1962 is fairly late for a new 78rpm release in any territory.
Sucessos Dos Maiores Cantores Nordestinos - Premier (1973)
A chattery vintage samba is nice way to start December. Although this is not forró, it is easy to hear how subtle the difference was between the genres could be. This was especially true for Jackson Do Pandeiro, who was a master at both styles. Mina Palhoça stands up and fits in with many of the tunes uploaded to this blog.
Francisco Barreto - Oh! Meu Imenso Amor - Disco Lar (1970)
