Ave Sangria -

Ave Sangria was a Brazilian folk-psych band that released a 1974 self-titled album on Continental.

Members: Marco Polo (vocals), Ivson Wanderley (guitar, violin), Paulo Raphael (bass, synthesizer, violin, vocals), Almir (bass), Israel Semente (drums), Juliano (percussion)

Ave Sangria formed in 1968 in Recife, the capital of the state of Pernambuco, is a vibrant coastal city in Northeastern Brazil known for its rivers, bridges, and strong cultural heritage. They started through a partnership between bassist Almir de Oliveira met singer Marco Polo, soon joined by guitarist Paulo Rafael.

Initially named Tamarineira Village, they adopted Ave Sangria as their moniker on the suggestion of a gypsy woman. They rose on the regional scene with a mix of prog/psych and traditional Northeastern Brazilian baião music.

Their self-titled debut album faced censorship by the Brazilian military government due to its lyrical content. Key members included Marco Polo (vocals), Almir de Oliveira (bass), and Paulo Rafael (guitar).

Ave Sangria (the album)

Ave Sangria released their self-titled album in May 1974 on Continental. The album faced censorship by the Brazilian military government due to its lyrical content.

The band on this album featured Marco Polo on vocals, Almir de Oliveira on bass and acoustic guitar, Paulo Rafael on guitars (electric, acoustic, and 12-string), Israel Semente on drums, and Agrício Noya on percussion. Additional musicians included Zeca on piano, Zé da Flauta on flute, Claudionor on cavaquinho, and Ivan on percussion.

Songwriting credits are primarily shared. Marco Polo and Almir de Oliveira co-wrote “Dois Navegantes,” “Ladeira das Paixões,” “Material da Estrela,” and “Se Você Quiser.” Paulo Rafael co-wrote “O Pirata” with Marco Polo, and also wrote “Umari” and “Viola de Delírio.” Israel Semente contributed “Me Beija Meu Amor.” Other collaborations include “Back in Bahia” by Harmonium, and “Largue Meu Perigoso” by Júnior and Marco Polo.
Tracklist

A1. “Dois Navegantes” [Two Navigators] (3:19)
A2. “Ladeira das Paixões” [Slope of Passions] (2:55)
A3. “O Pirata” [The Pirate] (2:49)
A4. “Me Beija Meu Amor” [Kiss Me My Love] (2:06)
A5. “Material da Estrela” [Star Material] (2:58)
A6. “Back in Bahia” (2:52)

B1. “Umari” (4:49)
B2. “Se Você Quiser” [If You Wish] (3:02)
B3. “Largue Meu Perigoso” [Leave My Dangerous] (3:17)
B4. “Viola de Delírio” [Delirium Viola] (4:53)

Mário Marcio M. Drumond produced the album. The recording took place at Estúdios Continental in São Paulo, with Cláudio Coimbra as the recording technician. César Vilella handled the album’s artwork.

Artist César Vilella created the cover image: a phoenix rendered in warm, fiery tones against a dark background. The original concept for the album’s cover, which faced censorship, was described by the band members as featuring a “drag queen parrot.”

Vilella was a highly influential Brazilian designer and painter, often referred to as the “Brazilian Reid Miles” for his iconic contributions to bossa nova album covers, particularly for the Elenco label. His distinctive style, often featuring high-contrast photography and minimalist graphic elements, helped define the visual identity of the bossa nova movement, including his renowned work for artists like João Gilberto on albums such as Chega de Saudade.

Discography: