Samba & Jazz

Gr 6 Up—First-time director Jefferson Mello studies two musical forms viewed through the cities of their roots: the samba, via Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and jazz, by way of New Orleans. The film jumps from one location to the other to compare the evolution of the forms. Both center on drumming, dancing, chanting, processions, and celebrations and have roots that go back to the culture West Africans brought to the Americas through the slave trade. Rio's Gamboa neighborhood and Congo Square in New Orleans are highlighted. Differences between the two cities developed because of the incorporation of local influences and experiences. For example, jazz evolved in small venues while samba was often performed more publicly. Several key musicians tell parallel stories and histories about the music. (English subtitles accompany the Portuguese-speaking musicians.) Mello weaves together a mix of black-and-white footage with color film, which adds punch and liveliness to great effect. He reserves color to visually enhance celebrations and costumes. Respect for each musical form and its traditions is a constant thread throughout.