Samba-rock

Samba-rock emerged in Brazil in the late 1960s, fusing the rhythmic structures of samba with the instrumentation and harmony of North American rock, soul and funk. Electric guitars and prominent basslines are set against Brazilian percussion, producing a syncopated, highly danceable groove. The style was fostered in São Paulo's suburban dancehalls, the 'bailes black', and was shaped above all by *Jorge Ben*, whose guitar style defined its melodic and rhythmic core. A product of cultural amalgamation, samba-rock became central to the Black Rio movement and left a lasting mark on Brazilian popular music.