A Tábua De Esmeralda
by Jorge Ben

This is a great record but I don't think it is better than his other work with it lacking the consistency and standout tracks of some of his other releases. With that being said there is some brilliant music on here that is so enjoyable to listen to. Jorge Ben seems to just know how to make sounds that get stuck in our head as every one of his albums have a few songs that I can't get out of my head after the record is over. I think it is mainly due to the infectious instrumentation and his understanding of the importance of rhythm. He really is a master with instrumentation and sound and creates such beautiful recordings. Overall, another very enjoyable record from Jorge Ben with loads of songs to fall in love with but it isn't as good as some of his other releases.

One of several of Jorge's masterpieces, but for some reason it has gained a higher cult status than the others. His next record, "Salta o Pavão", is as good as this one, but it's way less remembered...

It's one of his last acoustic efforts, with the theme of alchemy running through several of the tracks; as usual, his lyrics are at the same time poetical and funny, with verses like "I will cheer for celestial agriculture" (he tries to sing in English in "Brother", but it's nearly incomprehensible; it's the only track in the whole album that's not great). One of the best songs, "Zumbi", talks about the quasi-mythical black leader during slavery times in Brazil; the last one, "Cinco Minutos", is a rare example of a sad song written by Jorge _ and it's sublime (Black Eyed Peas sampled it for the "Positivity" track, but the result is pretty trashy; how can you screw up something so beautiful?).

"The Emerald Tablet" is a gorgeous, exciting record and a must-listen to all who enjoy good guitar playing and richly rhythmic music. If it's too exotic for you at first, keep at it, I'm sure it will grow on you.

it was good, nothing more

From VictorVale 01/05/2019 15:50 | #229028

Grande marco da música brasileira e mundial. Ben místico explora todos os ritmos

From Brad1770 09/02/2017 08:39 | #197104

This comment is beneath your viewing threshold.

92/100 Pure brazilian magic.

From AMEIER 02/06/2015 04:35 | #134095

Essential brazilian album. One of my favorites by Jorge Ben for sure. Need To know!!!

Excellent album. Named by Rolling Stone Brazil as the 6th best album in the history of Brazilian music. In my opinion, "Africa Brasil" by Jorge Ben is better, but "A Tabua de Esmeralda" is also a great album that has lots of great songs like: "Os Alquimistas Estao Chegando", "O Homen Da Gravata Florida", "Minha Teimosia, Uma Arma Para Te Conquistar" and "Zumbi". I like the mix of Brazilian rhythms and topics with 70's style music, especially funk.