One of the great samba revivalists, Jovelina Perola Negra (1944-1998) was a diva in the same tradition as other older singers such as Dona Ivone Lara and Clementina de Jesus, a powerful rugged singer with roots in the informal roda de samba (circle samba) tradition. She hit the scene with immediate success, and sustained her artistic power throughout her career. Here's a quick look at her work.
Jovelina Perola Negra "Perola Negra" (RGE, 1985)
A rock-solid set of classic-sounding old-school pagode samba, with keening vocal choruses and perky cavaquinho throughout.
Jovelina Perola Negra "Luz Do Repente" (Som Livre, 1987)
Jovelina Perola Negra "Sorriso Aberto" (RGE, 1988)
Jovelina Perola Negra "Amigos Chegados" (RGE, 1989)
Jovelina Perola Negra "Sangue Bom" (Som Livre, 1991)
Jovelina Perola Negra "Vou Na Fe" (RGE, 1993)
Jovelina Perola Negra "Samba Guerreiro" (RGE, 1996)
Pleasant, typically buoyant, samba cancao, with a full musical accompaniment (though a slightly flat-sounding mix...) Vocally, she has more than a passing similarity to Nina Simone. This is a nice throwback to the classic '70s sound, though honestly, this is not a stand-out album.
Jovelina Perola Negra "Roda De Samba Com Jovelina Perola Negra" (2006)
Jovelina Perola Negra/Various Artists "E Isso Que Eu Mereco: Jovelina Duetos" (Som Livre, 2007)
A posthumously-released collection of duets, featuring contributions from Alcione, Jorge Aragao, Leci Brandao, Beth Carvalho, Grupo Fundo De Quintal and others. Presumably some of these recordings were made while Jovelina was still alive -- others, with younger artists such as Seu Jorge and Marcelo D2, must be newer studio concoctions.
