Description
A key figure in Brazilian music, Jorge Ben Jor’s “Italo-Brazilian” side is showcased on this 7-inch release from La Matta Records. This mini-EP features Ana Maria, recorded at Rome’s Teatro Sistina in 1978, and Falcão and Lorella, which were released in Italy in 1983. These are rare recordings from a period when he was expanding his reach from South America to Europe, brimming with appeal that transcends the boundaries of Brazilian music.
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Jorge Ben Jor is a singer and guitarist known for seamlessly blending samba with soul, funk, rock, and bossa nova. His 1963 release “Mas Que Nada” was covered worldwide and became an iconic Brazilian song. He pioneered genres such as samba-rock and samba-funk and has maintained his influence for many years.
Ana Maria is a remastered recording of a performance at Teatro Sistina, characterized by a live feel that captures the audience’s breathing and the interplay between Jorge Ben Jor’s vocals and guitar. Falcão and Lorella were released on Italy’s CGD (Maracanà) label and possess a vibrant energy that evokes festive scenes in a land with deep-rooted football culture.
Set against the backdrop of global musical exchange at the time, these tracks capture the intersection of Brazilian music’s rhythmic sensibility and European pop sensibilities.
A1. Falcão (L'Ottavo Re di Roma)
B1. Ana Maria
B2. Lorella
La Matta Records proudly presents the first official 7-inch, Tutto Ben, a rare “Italo-Brazilian” mini EP by iconic singer, guitarist, and composer Jorge Ben Jor. This edition includes Ana Maria (Remastered), originally recorded at the Teatro Sistina in Rome in 1978, while Falcão and Lorella were first released in 1983 on the CGD (Maracanà) label, part of Warner Music Italy, celebrating AS Roma’s league title. This 7-inch captures a pivotal moment in Jorge’s career, singing in Italian with Banda do Zé Pretinho in Rome. Acclaimed for his radiant spirit and admired by the genius art director Franco Fontana — who invited him to Rome several times — this fully remastered gem is now available for collectors and enthusiasts on vinyl.
