Marinalva's LP from 1970, Eu Também De Lá, is a strange release. It was originally pressed on the indie label called Maraca. Curiously, it seems that only vinyl LPs were produced. None of the LPs have surfaced with a cover. The album was officially issued shortly after on Tropicana records. It is possible that the Maraca version was promotional, but there is not a precedent in Brazilian forró for pressing 12" LPs without a cover. It is also possible that Tropicana bought Marinalva's contract. Again, this also seems unusual. I speculate that Maraca were having financial trouble and could not support the LP. Both the Tropicana and Maraca LPs are rarities, but there are very few coverless copies of Maraca's Eu Também De Lá on the market.
Marinalva' - Eu Também De Lá - Tropicana cover / capa - 1970 (courtesy of forroemvinil)
Following hard on the heels of Pirril, posted last week on ForroLPGringo, is Marinalva's classic LP, Poeira do Caminho, from 1974. Tropicana had a run of albums that were beautifully produced by Pedro Sertanejo in the mid-1970s. It is likely that many of the same musicians were were the house band for Sertanejo and Tropicana at this time. The cavaquinho and zabumba have a very distinctive sound. There are a bunch of good songs from this LP and it is difficult to cherry pick two favorites. Enquanto Hã Vida, Hã Esperança features double tracked vocals, which was unusual for forró produciton. Eu Vim De Longe showcases Marinalva's moodier side and the versatility of the band.
Marinalva e Sua Gente - Enquanto Hã Vida, Hã Esperança from Poeira do Caminho - Tropicana (1974)
Marinalva e Sua Gente - Eu Vim De Longe from Poeira do Caminho - Tropicana (1974
Marinalva e Sua Gente - Poeira do Caminho - Tropicana (1974)
Marinalva - Devagar Se Vai Ao Longe from Quermesse vol. 1 - Fontana 1971 The ladies of forró, part 2 of 4. There were numerous forró compilation LPs released in Brazil. Unlike most compilations released in North America and Europe which featured hits or a collection of promotional, but commercially available, tracks from artists, Brazilian forró compilation LPs contained entirely original and exclusive material, making them highly collectible. CBS and Fontana released more than 30 compilation LPs between 1967 and 1982. Quermesse was a 2 volume series on Fontana, featuring this great opening track from Marinalva. Like Marinês, Marinalva's commanding voice could hold it's own with the fellas. Marinalva had a long, confusing recording career with LPs scattered on multiple small and subsidiary labels.
Marinalva - Devagar Se Vai Ao Longe from Quermesse vol. 1 - Fontana 1971
