Arlindo Cruz is one of contemporary Brazil's leading samba composers and performers. Hundreds of Cruz's joyful songs have been recorded by other artists, making the title of this album -- which translates as "Popular Heritage" -- more than deserved. Here, on tracks like "Sinceridade," the singer and banjo player remains true to the pagode style (which originated as an acoustic, less spectacular type of samba). Cruz is joined on various tracks by rapper Marcelo D2 and singer Maria Rita, as well as other younger stars from Brazil's vibrant scene.