Ground-breaking orchestral jazz rooted in Afro-Brazilian rhythms and Yoruba spirituality, Obaluayê is one of the most important albums in Brazilian musical history. Reissued on vinyl for the first time in over sixty years by Day Dreamer Records, a new sub label from Direct-to-Disc specialists Night Dreamer.

Little is known about Orquestra Afro-Brasileira, and that which is tends towardsfolklore. Conducted by maestro Abigail Moura, the group took to the stage around ahundred times between 1942 and 1970, releasing just two records - the eponymous1968 album Orquestra Afro-Brasileria and Obaluayê, originally released onTodamerica in 1957.

A self-taught conductor and arranger, Abigail assembled Orquestra Afro-Brasileira inorder to tell stories of Afro-Brazilian heritage and speak of the “dramas and tragediesexperienced by my race”. The Orquestra celebrated significant dates and influentialBlack Brazilian historical figures in its performances, with a repertoire that movedbetween folk tales, Candomblé chants and macumbas (or invocations) of orixá - theYoruba deities sent by Olodumare to provide guidance for life on earth.

Comprised of around twenty musicians, the Orquestra combined traditionalBrazilian and West African percussion instruments such as Agogô, Afoxé, Ganzá,Atabaques and Angona-puíta, with the sounds of saxophones, trombones, clarinetsand the piano from the big band jazz tradition.[info sheet from distr.]