Izaura

Izaura (also spelled "Isaura") is a Brazilian samba written by Herivelto Martins and Roberto Roberti. The first documented recording was made by singer Francisco Alves on November 13, 1944, accompanied by Abel, Claudionor Cruz and his ensemble. Released by Odeon in January 1945, the recording carries matrix number 7700. The song became one of the popular sambas of the 1945 Carnival season.

No confirmed recording by Django Reinhardt is known, but Izaura has a remarkable connection to his musical legacy. On September 4–5, 1974, Django's longtime musical partner Stéphane Grappelli recorded the composition in Paris with Brazilian guitarist Baden Powell. Their collaboration, released on the album "La Grande Réunion", brought together Grappelli's jazz violin and Powell's Brazilian guitar style. The session also featured double bassist Guy Pedersen, drummer Pierre-Alain Dahan and percussionists Jorge G. Resende and Clément de Waleyne.

Musically, Izaura is a lively, syncopated samba with a playful melody and an engaging rhythmic character. Its lyrics present a humorous conflict between love and responsibility: a man would happily remain in Izaura's arms, but fears that he would never wake up in time for work. The memorable refrain contrasts with a more narrative verse, creating a natural dialogue between melody and rhythm. The song's harmony also allows considerable freedom for jazz interpretation and reharmonization.

For Manouche jazz musicians, Izaura offers an interesting opportunity to explore Brazilian rhythms beyond traditional swing. The combination of acoustic guitar, syncopated melodic phrasing and expressive harmony makes it suitable for arrangements blending samba with Gypsy jazz improvisation. Grappelli's collaboration with Baden Powell provides a direct historical link between Brazilian popular music and the musical world surrounding Django Reinhardt.

Interesting facts:

• The original Odeon record from 1945 used the spelling "Isaura", although "Izaura" became another widely used title.
• The song was also featured in the Brazilian musical film "Pif-Paf" (1945), produced by Cinédia.
• The lyrics reflect a broader cultural movement during Brazil's Estado Novo period, when official campaigns promoted work and responsibility. The song approaches this theme with humor and romantic hesitation.
• João Gilberto recorded Izaura for his self-titled 1973 album, with backing vocals by Miúcha, introducing the older samba to a new generation of listeners.
• Stéphane Grappelli and Baden Powell recorded their interpretation in Paris in September 1974, bringing together Brazilian guitar and European jazz violin.
• In 1976, Izaura appeared on "The Best of Two Worlds", a collaboration between Stan Getz and João Gilberto, with Miúcha also participating.

From the Carnival celebrations of 1940s Brazil to the refined interpretations of João Gilberto, Stan Getz and Stéphane Grappelli, Izaura demonstrates the remarkable adaptability of Brazilian samba. Its charming melody, rhythmic vitality and rich possibilities for improvisation continue to connect Brazilian music with the wider jazz tradition.