Artist: Baden Powell Album: Personalidade

Year: 1987
Duration: 0:0-1

A Deep Dive Into Baden Powell's Personalidade

Baden Powell is one of the most iconic and influential guitarists in Brazilian music history. His unique style merged classical techniques with jazz harmonies, samba rhythms, and African melodies. After releasing nearly 50 albums, Powell’s catalogue has become a standard for guitarists, composers, and music enthusiasts worldwide.
“Personalidade” is believed to be Baden Powell’s most personal and introspective album. In this , we’ll discuss the album's concept and history, highlight the best songs, praise the innovation, and offer a critical perspective on it as a complete work of art.
So sit back, relax, and read on to discover why “Personalidade” is a must-listen for all jazz and Brazilian music lovers.
The sound of Baden Powell’s acoustic guitar was his signature brand for Brazilian music. He was a master of blending sounds and genres, creating a unique artistry that appealed not only to Brazilians but also worldwide. In recording “Personalidade,” Powell returned to his roots, exploring his personal identity and the culture that bred his creativity.
The album begins with “Lenda Do Abaete” (The Legend of Abaete), invoking the forest spirit that is the lore of Bahia, Powell's birthplace state. The catchy melody played in swing rhythm, followed by the lovely unison between Powell’s guitar and Guest singer Coaty de Oliveira's voice, sets the tone and mood for the entire album. The mood reflects the sonic quilt made by Powell's arrangements that include woodwinds, strings, percussion, and even a chamber orchestra.
The next song is “Samba Do Aviao” (The Samba of the Plane), one of the biggest hits of Brazilian composer Antonio Carlos Jobim. Powell's arrangement for this tune is breathtaking with the fusion of samba rhythm, blues harmony, and Brazilian classical music techniques that give this standard tune entirely new life. Powell's insights and musicianship are evident throughout, particularly with his creative choice of harmonies and counter-melodies that perfectly mesh with the theme.
On the third track, “Berimbau,” Powell showcases his percussion skills on the berimbau (a single string percussion instrument) while simultaneously playing his guitar. It's a rhythmic tour de force that illustrates the beauty of the African-Brazilian tradition. This song is a great example of Powell’s mastery of poly-rhythms, another hallmark of his style.
Another highlight of the album is “Apelo” (The Appeal), a tune that Powell composed himself. “Apelo” showcases the balance between tradition and innovation that defines the entire album. With a minimalistic arrangement devoid of any percussion but a bowed bass and intermittent flute notes. The melody and harmonies resonate through with a haunting beauty that highlights Powell's meticulous attention to rhythm and musical structure.
Another highlight of the album is “Apelo” (The Appeal), a tune that Powell composed himself. “Apelo” showcases the balance between tradition and innovation that defines the entire album. With a minimalistic arrangement devoid of any percussion but a bowed bass and intermittent flute notes. The melody and harmonies resonate through with a haunting beauty that highlights Powell's meticulous attention to rhythm and musical structure.
The most innovative part of the album lies in Powell's integration of the traditional Brazilian instruments such as the berimbau, pandeiro (a Brazilian tambourine), tamborim, with western instruments and incorporating classical music harmonies with samba or African rhythms.
The instrumental piece “Canto De Ossanha“(The Chant of Ossanha), by Brazilian composer Baden Powell and Vinícius de Moraes, also deserves attention. The fusion between jazz harmony and Afro-Cuban rhythm creates a genuine sound compromising a smooth jazz vibe with a bossa-nova touch.
Critically speaking, “Personalidade” is not as cohesive as other Powell’s albums. The chosen tunes, while fantastic on their own, don't gel cohesively as a complete work. The album’s production, while innovative, might overpower the delicacy of Powell's guitar that most listeners appreciate in Powell's catalog.
Personalidade remains a must-listen album of Baden Powell's archive, and a testimony to his contribution to Brazilian music's richness and diversity. Powell’s innovative style defined the bossa-nova sound, won international acclaim, and paved the way for future Brazilian artists worldwide. His personal exploration in “Personalidade” is an invitation for his listeners to follow his inner journey through music. Listen to “Personalidade” with open ears, and you might just hear something truly transformative.