Bahia Black

Bahia Black was a short-lived band featuring Brazilian singer, songwriter, percussionist, guitarist and vocalist Carlinhos Brown and his ten-piece drum ensemble, Olodum. Joined by American jazz musicians including Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Bernie Worrell, Henry Threadgill and producer Bill Laswell, the group recorded one memorable album, Ritual Beating System, in 1992.

Bahia Black represented one step in the illustrious career of Carlinhos Brown (born: Antonio Carlos Santos Freita). In addition to performing and recording with his Bahian band Timbalada, Brown has collaborated with such top-notch Brazilian musicians and vocalists as Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, Gal Costa, Sergio Mendes and Sepultura. Brown's debut solo album, Alfagamabetizedo, released in 1997, included the pop hit, "A Namorada." ~ Craig Harris, Rovi