Grupo Batuque is a samba collective created by Joe Davis of Far Out Recordings. Assembled in 1997 by the DJ and entrepreneur, this collective of percussionists, drummers, and musicians recorded their first album, Samba de Rua, which aimed to capture the sound and flavor of Brazilian carnival. Members have included Ivan Conti (drums), Wilson das Neves (vocals and percussion), and Robertinho Silva (drums), among others. With musical direction from Neves, the group’s second album, Samba de Futebol (1998), featured members of Império Serrano; a famous samba school based in Rio, and was inspired by the local Flamengo football club. It wasn't until their third album, Africa Brazil (2000), that the group began gaining awards recognition, receiving a Grammy nomination and prompting Far Out Recordings to release a remix album, Rhythmix, in 2002. O Tempo Do Samba followed in 2005, written by Ivan Conti and produced by Roc Hunter with vocals from popular Samba singer Fabiola, as well as a second football-inspired album, Ole Ola - Futebol Bonito!, released in 2006. Recorded at Music Studios (Rio De Janeiro) and Rocit Studio (London), it features one of the final appearances of Brazilian jazz drummer, Dom Um Romão, who died in 2005.
