Jacob do Bandolim

Jacob do Bandolim: Mandolin Master of Brazil Volume II features 22 classic performances of Choro music - traditional instrumental Brazilian music not often heard in the United States.

Jacob, who is considered to be the greatest mandolinist Brazil has ever known, was also a prolific composer in the Choro style. When he died in 1969, he left behind a rich archive of Brazilian recordings - many of which have been licensed by Acoustic Disc and released to North American audiences for the first time.

"Superbly melodic and passionate," wrote the Utne Reader about the 21 selections on Volume I of Jacob do Bandolim: Mandolin Master of Brazil which Beat magazine put on its top-10 Brazilian music list for 1991. Like the first collection, the music on Volume II was recorded for RCA Brazil between 1952 and 1966, the prime of Jacob do Bandolim's career. The program features nine classic originals by Jacob, in addition to pieces by some of Brazil's greatest composers - Ernesto Nazereth, Pixiguinha, and Antonio Carlos Jobim. With orchestration ranging from the big band opening cut, "Sapeca," to duets featuring guitar and mandolin, the varied music on Volume II showcases more of the very best of Jacob's incredible playing. Together, these compi-lations provide a rare audio documentary of choro and this universal artist.