Samba & Jazz

Brazilian photographer Mello finds a number of startling parallels between two distinctive musical cultures—the samba schools of Brazil and the traditional jazz community in New Orleans. Both play rhythm-heavy pieces based on African roots, with New World elements added. Both center much of their attention on Carnival parades, including elaborate costumes with Indian iconography, and both perform in funeral processions for members. Both also provide cultural cohesion and social outlets to impoverished communities, fight racism, and offer children a path forward. Through interviews with musical luminaries we learn some of the history of both styles, see parade preparations, and witness rehearsals. The focus wanders a bit, the topic is a tad specialized, and the documentary assumes some knowledge of both cultures, though it is priced for the academic market, so these may not be huge concerns.