Part One: Alventino Cavalcanti - Chapéu De Couro from E Muita Cantiga Nordestina - Fontana 1968
In the forró world, most of the musicians lucky enough to release records got very little money or fame for their work. Forró stars were like early North American sports heroes. They worked hard to make a living and even those who were famous were not extravagantly paid. Even 50 years later, many amazing musicians are only celebrated by a handful of collectors.
Alventino Cavalcanti (also spelled Cavalcante) was one of the forró greats, who's reputation is growing 50 years after his recorded output ended. His catalog was negligible compared to Jackson do Pandeiro. Cavalcanti recorded 2 solo LPs and a handful of compilation LPs. His album with Borrachinha, Alegria Do Norte, may be the finest forró album ever released and also one of the rarest. His records transcend the dance floor thanks to the softening of edges with hypnotic, mostly acoustic production. E Muita Cantiga Nordestina was released by Fontana records in 1968. This was his final solo LP of 2. It's a shame that there weren't more, because he was clearly a cut above many artists who received multiple releases.
Click on the video above to play the song.
