Artist: Bola Sete Album: Tour de force

Year: 2001
Duration: 0:0-1

Bola Sete: A Tour de Force of Innovation

Bola Sete ranks among the most significant and innovative jazz guitarists of all time. His music is known for its unique blend of Brazilian rhythms, classical music, and contemporary jazz sounds. In this blog, we will analyze his album Tour de force and provide a critical review of his music. The album showcases Sete’s mastery of the jazz guitar while incorporating elements of Samba, Bossa Nova, and other Brazilian styles, creating a unique mix of sounds that delights the listener. We will explore his musical style, the songs on the album, and what makes Tour de force an exceptional album.

Bola Sete’s music blends the technical proficiency of classical guitar playing with the improvisation of jazz music. Growing up in Brazil, he was heavily influenced by the music of his native country, which is evident in his use of Samba and Bossa Nova rhythms. His music is a perfect mix of these cultural and musical influences, and this is most evident in the album Tour de force. Released in 1982, Tour de force showcases a culmination of Sete’s musical career. The album takes the listener on a journey of experimental sounds, ranging from intricate melodies to compelling harmonies.

Tour de force is primarily instrumental, and Sete’s guitar playing takes center stage. The album is a mix of different moods, tones, and rhythms, from the upbeat samba-infused Samba Triste to the introspective ballad Jennine. What makes the album stand out is Sete's ability to combine complex rhythms with compelling melodies, producing a unique sound.

The standout tracks on the album are Due Rios and Moon Dreams. Due Rios opens with a gentle acoustic guitar riff, transporting the listener to a calming and reflective space. The song features Sete’s skills on the guitar in a soulful and relaxed sound. Moon Dreams is a track that highlights Sete’s mastery of the jazz guitar. The track features the electric guitar, and Sete takes advantage of the freedom that the guitar gives him to create a sublime and unique sound.

The most innovative part of Tour de force is how Sete blends various musical influences. The album is not only a fusion of Brazilian rhythms and jazz but also other influences such as classical and contemporary jazz music. The highlight of the album is how Sete seamlessly blends these different influences, creating a new and unique sound. His guitar playing enhances the different rhythms and styles, producing a sound that is cohesive and polished.

While Tour de force is an exceptional album, it still has some weaknesses. The album's main problem is that it can be a bit monotonous in places, and some of the songs can sound repetitive. At times, Sete may also rely too much on the guitar, and the other instruments take a back seat, making the album sound a bit unbalanced.

Bola Sete’s unique blend of jazz guitar and Brazilian rhythms make him stand out as one of the most innovative guitarists of all time. In Tour de force, he showcases his mastery of the guitar while blending different musical styles. The album takes the listener on a journey of experimental sounds, evoking a range of emotions, from introspective moods to upbeat rhythms. While the album has some weaknesses, namely the occasional monotony of some songs, it still stands out as a masterful piece of work. It is an album that is worth listening to if you want to experience the sounds of a true Jazz virtuoso.