A Fina Flor Do Samba

• Formed: 1975
• Disbanded: 1976
• Genres: Folk

Biography

In the '70s, the choro experienced a revival through the combined efforts of Os Novos Baianos and some journalists. The period dominated by widespread censorship and lack of possibilities for political expression drew young people to the country's culture, and the choro was one of the best genres for those purposes, being a traditionally ethnic and therefore patriotic practice. A hybrid of samba group and choro regional, A Fina Flor do Samba was formed in the mid-'70s as a group to accompany the samba singer/composer Beth Carvalho. But since its inception, A Fina Flor developed its own parallel solo career. Among traditional choros with modern arrangements, the group dominated the choro scene from 1975 to 1976 with Ruy Quaresma's originals and a previously unpublished waltz by Jacob do Bandolim. It included Beth Ernst Dias (flute), Toni Botelho (bass), Alceu Maia (cavaquinho), Quaresma (violão and the group's recruiter), and three samba percussionists, Juca, Ovídio, and Valter Paixão. The group, promoting ethnic and social diversity among its ranks, and the necessity of the modernization of the genre, was soon dissolved, but served as a pioneer and departure point for youngsters who achieved more lasting careers in choro. ~ Alvaro Neder, All Music Guide