Martinho da Vila is one of Brazil's most popular and most talented samba composers and performers, and
Memórias de um Sargento de Milícias is one of his best albums. As usual, when it comes to
Martinho da Vila, the samba beat and melodies are impeccable and the enthusiasm and energy of the singer are as contagious as ever. Some of the tracks here, as for example the opening samba "Segure Tudo," are original
Martinho da Vila compositions, while others are the works of other great samba composers such as Paulinho da Viola and
Candeia. One of the best and most interesting songs of this album is "Camafeu," a Bahian-styled samba characterized by the typical berimbau instrument. There is also a fine bossa samba by Darcy da Mangueira, "Para Você, Felicidade." Overall, this is a really great samba album. ~ Philip Jandovský