The group was influenced by the Black Rio movement of Tim Maia, Cassiano, and others. Members included Arnaldo Brandao (vocals/bass), Paulo Roquette (guitar), Cláudio Zoli (guitar/vocals), Robério Rafael (drums), Bolao (percussion), and Ricardo Cristaldi (keyboard). Claudio Zoli stands out as an important funk artist of the 1980s, during a time when Pop Rock bands dominated the Brazilian music scene. This album features one of the biggesthits of 1983:the soulful reggaegroove "Noite do Prazer." Often described as Rio de Janeiro"s answer to George Benson"s "Give Me the Night," it"s a timeless classic that bridges funk, soul, and Brazilian grooves. On "Se Você For a Salvador," a sun-soaked, feel-good boogie track, younger generations have embraced a new term to describe the sound: Brazilian City Pop. The record also delivers dancefloor heat like the stomping "Jóia Rara," the vibrant soul-reggae fusion "Destrava Maria," the ahead-of-its- time rap-funk hybrid "Cheque Sem Fundo," and the electrifying samba-reggae "Pé de Guerra," rich with Bahian rhythms and energy. Closing out the album are two under-the-radar jazz-funk gems: "Meditando" and "171." Though often lumped into the boogie category, these tracks lean more toward the sleek 1980s jazz-funk sound, reminiscent of UK acts like Level 42.[info sheet from distr.]