Ambar (1997)

"This album and homonymous show were Maria Betânia's commemoration of her 50 years of age, 35 years of her career, and 35 albums. Differently than in other recent albums, where she has permitted herself the luxury of including cheesy songs in the "breganejo" style, in this one the repertory is excellent, consisting of all-time classics and songs by new composers such as Adriana Calcanhoto and Carlinhos Brown. An acoustic album with sensitive violão (Jaime Além) punctuation, the world touch was given by special guests Zap Mama, Sabine Kabongo, and Angelique Wilkie. The general tone is romantic with excellent orchestral touches here and there. Paulinho da Costa brings his percussive talents to the swinging "Invocação" and the subtle samba rendition of "Quando Penso Na Bahia" has a wonderful trombone (non-credited) in the best gafieira style. The album also has the special guest Chico Buarque. Attention also for the beautiful "Brisa," divided in an a cappella introduction and Brazilian viola backing."(Allmusic).