Luiz Gonzaga - Vamos Xaxear (xaxado) from RCA Victor 78rpm (1952)

Luiz Gonzaga's classic 1952 78rpm single Vamos Xaxear b/w Xaxado is so stunning that it deserves to have both sides featured. It is one of those rare early singles that seems like a double A side. Vamos Xaxear is an incredible song full of tension and driving rhythm. Gonzaga doesn't start singing until a minute and twenty seconds into the song. It is powerful, relentless and red hot. The king earns his crown on this one. 

Luiz Gonzaga - Vamos Xaxear (xaxado) from RCA Victor 78rpm (1952)

Luiz Gonzaga - Xaxado (xaxado) from RCA Victor 78rpm (1952)

 It is astounding that this is from 1952. Xaxado is an absolute killer single from Luiz Gonzaga, giving any R&B track from the USA during this period a run for its money. It is also interesting that Gonzaga did not pick this as one of his favorites when compiling his boxed set in the 1980s.

Luiz Gonzaga - Xaxado (xaxado) from RCA Victor 78rpm (1952)

Os Ritmos do rei - Jackson do Pandeiro (The pandeiro rhythms of the king, Jackson do Pandeiro)

This beautifully produced video covers the intricate pandeiro rhythms of Jackson. It is amazing how complex the playing can be of a seemingly simple instrument. 

A translation from the YouTube description: 

The Rhythms of the Pandeiro is a collection of rhythms recorded by Jackson do Pandeiro from the perspective of various pandeiro masters from around the world, designed by the Museum of the 3 Pandeiros (MAPP / UEPB), in recognition of the centenary of the rhythm king, Jackson do Pandeiro. 08/31/19

The percussionists include: 

Marcos Suzano, Leo Rodrigues, Carlos Café, Gustavo di Dalva, Nacho Delgado, Emerson Taquari, Samir tarik, Ivison Santos, Túlio Araujo and Sandrinho Dupan

Léo Bahia - Jôgo Proibido (baião) from Tiger 78rpm (likely 1960s - vinyl 78rpm)

Jôgo Proibido by Léo Bahia is an absolute killer 78rpm, likely released in the early 1960s. I have almost zero information on the artist, aside from the fact that he recorded several carnival records (marcha) in addition to this one.

The 78rpm is peculiar. It was not pressed in shellac, but vinyl. This is the first time that I have encountered a vinyl 78rpm. The late 1950s were a strange time. The industry was experimenting with a number of formats to see what would stick. The 50s were a slugfest between 10", compacto and LP. 

Léo Bahia - Jôgo Proibido (baião) from Tiger 78rpm