orpheus10,
Brazilian music of all kinds definitely has African roots. The city of Salvador, in the province of Bahia, was the original capital of Brazil as it was here that the first coastal trading hub into the interior of Brazil was constructed after Pedro Álvares Cabral discovered the continent of South America and claimed it for Portugal. Although no longer the capital of Brazil, Salvador Bahia (that is the proper way to say it - the city then the province), is still an important city there and my favorite to visit.
I have been to Brazil a dozen times. Rio 3 times and Savador, Bahia 10. Rio and Salvador Bahia is like comparing apples to oranges. In Salvador Bahia the population is a 50/50 mix of black people and white/mixed. Since slaves were bought and sold in Salvador Bahia they settled there after slavery was abolished. The many cultures of Africa still exist in the city and province from food to music. A favorite dish of mine, called Moquecca, is available in just about every restaurant. Its made with Dende (palm leaf) oil. There is also a unique religion that exists there that's kind of a mix with Christian and African orgins.
frogman,
You are right about easily recognizing Jeff Beck with just a few notes. I mentioned that upthread. I can also recognize Jimi with the same quickness. McLaughlin, as you said, is not so easily discernable.