Jorge Ben - Bebete Vãobora. This selection is meant to introduce those unfamiliar with MPB (música popular brasileira) and Brasilian music in general to one of the most influential artists in the lusophone world. Known internationally as the man who first wrote “Mas Que Nada” (“Not At All”), one of the more well known MPB songs, Jorge Ben Jor is a proprietor of a particular brand of Brasilian funk. His signature comes from combining samba melodies and rhythms with alliterations of funk and soul, resulting in a never before heard style. Although most people would never know it, he has influenced popular music the entire world over, the most famous example being Rod Stewart’s “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” (Ben Jor later filed suit and won, Stewart agreed to donate all royalties to charity), which derives its base melody from Ben Jor’s “Taj Mahal.” Today’s selection is one of my personal favorites of his, and is actually within a medley of 3 songs, in the order “Bebete Vãobora,” “Crioula,” and “Cade Tereza,” all found within his landmark celebration record 10 Anos Depois (10 Years Later).
