...One of the most impressive ensembles to emerge from this environment, and certainly the one currently riding the crest of this latest Brazilian surge, is Mestre Ambrósio, a band that figures prominently both in the mangue movement and in the forró scenario. Mestre Ambrósio came out of Recife in October 1992 with the concept of bringing Northeastern dances, rhythms, and instruments—especially Pernambucan—up to date. By performing a repertoire of cocos, emboladas, maracatus (1), reisados, cirandas (2), and baiões on instruments indicative of these styles: sanfona, rabeca (a type of rustic violin), triangle, and zabumba as well as electric guitar and bass; Mestre Ambrósio embraced a broad spectrum of musical styles, while retaining a foundation firmly fixed in forró. Where Chico Science's sound was a blend of external influences, which were developed with incremental touches of regional music; Mestre Ambrósio started with these "incremental touches" and evolved with external influences. Their music is tinged with traditional forms though not bound by them.

This is a group of "musicians' musicians" that has continually experimented with new sounds and new ways of expressing traditional forms, a band that has searched for original music that is deeply rooted in their heritage. Mestre Ambrósio's endless reservoir of energy and determination has made them an important influence and stimulus for new groups while their timbric coloring and original harmonic treatments has drawn established artists to go out of their way to hear and to record with them. Ambrósio's singular purpose—playing today's Pernambucan music—has sparked a tremendous increase of interest in traditional rhythms throughout Brazil and catapulted the band into the international spotlight. Among experts, Mestre Ambrósio is considered "the band"...