Os Mutantes - A e o Z (1973 - 1992)

Terminamos la semana pasada con un disco de Arnaldo Baptista y prometimos seguir con cosas de este artista. Por alguna rara constelación en la alineación de los planetas y la trayectoria del Universo (no le encuentro otra explicación) tenemos pocas cosas publicadas de Os Mutantes, la genial banda brazuca, una de las más famosas bandas de la escena del rock brasileño. Este disco fue su primer trabajo sin Rita Lee, uno de sus miembros fundadores (ya que estamos aclaro que el grupo se formó en 1966 en San Pablo por los hermanos Arnaldo Baptista y Sérgio Baptista, junto la nombrada Rita Lee), y marcó un cambio en su sonido tirándolo de lleno desde el tropicalismo hacia el rock progresivo, sin resabios de sinfonismo, encima: un bajo que recuerda (y mucho) el estilo de Chris Squire, Hammonds y mellotrones que van desde un híbrido Genesis - ELP hasta el Yes de sus primeros álbums, sobretodo a "The Yes Album", pero con algunas reminiscencias de Premiata Forneria Marconi y toques de King Crimson.

 

Artista: Os Mutantes

Álbum: A e o Z
Año: 1973 - 1992
Género: Progresivo psicodélico sinfónico
Duración: 48:20
Nacionalidad: Brasil

Grabado en 1973, pero dejado de lado hasta 1992, este fue el último disco de estudio del genial Arnaldo Baptista con el grupo.
El disco demuestra la destreza de sus músicos, y como tantos otros discos, pienso que si esto habría salido en Europa o EEUU, sería un clásico internacional a la altura de otros tantos clásicos progresivos, pero bueno, es algo que viene desde Brasil, y eso se paga caro porque este disco casi casi nunca sale a la luz, ya que fue olvidado hasta la década del 90... eso me recuerda al "Pinta tu Aldea" del grupo argentino Alas que tuvo una historia similar, y otros tantos discos olvidados, o casi olvidados y rescatados, en este oscurantismo cultural que promueve nuestra sociedad de mercado de periferia capitalista.

Hablando de su estilo, el disco es un híbrido de todas las bandas antes mencionadas, pero con una preponderancia del sonido del primer Yes junto con los despliegues soberbios y prolongados de los hammond y mellotrones a lo ELP, con referencias clásicas y el buen trabajo de su base, bajos profundos y por suerte cantado en portugués, con piezas como "Você Ssbe" con su estilo acústico progresivo con un ambiente pastoral, multi-armonías vocales que recuerdan a Genesis y Gentle Giant unidos en una mismo track, mientras que el disco también despliega un estilo muy a lo Steve Hove en el trabajo de la guitarra, que si bien queda medio opacado por el despliegue impresionante del mellotron y del hammond, no deja de desenvolverse con maestría y buen gusto. Por su lado, la canción "Uma Pessoa Só" representa la mejor creación compositiva del disco, construída alrededor del piano, con voces románticas, guitarras eléctricas suaves y un dinámico órgano girando alrededor, un gran tema con influencias tanto de Genesis como de Yes. El álbum cierra con "Ainda Vou Transar com Você" una pista bien rockera y con un ambiente maravillosamente alegre.

Pero hacele un favor a tus oídos y pegale una escucha:

Un disco sin desperdicio, y si tienen algún minuto, los invito a leer las reseñas de este disco que hicieron otras personas:

 La historia se repite una y otra vez. Las discográficas imponen su ley y sus criterios son los que marcan las modas musicales. Cuando los grupos se revelan pasa lo que les ocurrió a Os Mutantes con su disco O "A" E O "Z" grabado en 1973 pero que no se publicó hasta 1992.
En la familia Baptista se respiraba arte por los cuatro costados. El padre era poeta y cantante, la madre pianista y sus dos hijos Arnaldo (bajo,teclados, voz) y Sergio (guitarra, voz) forman Six Sided Rockers junto a la cantante Rita Lee en 1966. Esto sería el embrión de Os Mutantes. Entablan amistad con Giberto Gil y el movimiento musical Tropicália que aunaba la música tradicional brasileña con sonidos mas vanguardistas y lo acompañan en el Festival de Música Popular Brasileña de 1967. Al año siguiente editan su primer disco, "Os Mutantes", con la participación de Gilberto en las percusiones  y acompañan a otro histórico, Caetano Veloso, en el Festival Internacional de la Canción en Río. La mezcla de experimentación, psicodélia y tradición no fue muy bien acogida por el público. En 1969 llega su segundo trabajo, "Mutantes" y en 1970 el tercero, "A Divina Comédia o Ando Meio Desligado", donde van decantándose por el rock. Durante un periodo de tiempo se desplazan a Francia donde realizan diversas grabaciones que no se editarían hasta el 2000 bajo el título de "Tecnicolor". En 1971 se incorporan de forma oficial Arnolpho Lima Filho 8bajo) y Ronaldo Leme (batería). Su cuarto disco, "Jardim Eléctrico", llega en 1971 y "Mutantes y Seetas Cometas en el País de Baurets" en el 72. Este sería el último con Rita Lee que iniciaría su carrera en solitario. El rock progresivo se afianzaba en la banda y como consecuencia graban " O "A" E O "Z"" en total desacuerdo con la compañía discográfica que se niega a editarlo. Leme, Lima y Arnaldo dejan la banda, este último por problemas serios con las drogas. Su última producción llegaría en 1974, "Tudo Foi Feito Pelo Sol", Cuatro años después Sergio, único miembro fundador, disolvería la banda.
Este disco de Os Mutantes tenía que haber sido el sexto en su discografía. Un gran cambio en su estilo con respecto al que estaban desarrollando en sus anteriores trabajos. Conteniendo seis temas que navegan claramente por las aguas de los primeros discos de Yes. El bajo es claramente de inspiración Squire y el tratamiento de los teclados nos evocan a los sonidos de un primerizo Wakeman o incluso Tony Kaye. Como tema destacado sin duda  "Hey Joe" una suite progresiva de algo mas de doce minutos.

J. C. Miñana

This is the second review i've done in just two days where the album in question was not released right away, but held back. CAN's "Delayed" record was made in 1968 but not released until 1981.This OS MUTANTES album was not released until 20 years after it was recorded in 1973. This was recorded because of an obligation to their record label to make one more album. Rita Lee their singer had just left the band and the label was not too confident that this album would do well commercially, so they didn't release it. Hmmm... holding back a great recording because it might not line their pockets, sounds all too familiar doesn't it. Although this recording is not without it's faults I was pleasantly surprised at how good this music is. Organ and bass are prominant.The organ and their sometimes relaxing sound reminds me of another Brazilian band I have fallen in love with, VIOLETA DE OUTONO. The Rickenbaker bass is monsterous, bringing to mind Chris Squire. Mellotron makes an appearance on 4 of the 6 tracks. Portuguese vocals throughout.
"A" E O "Z" opens with lots of organ before some brief Mercury-like vocals arrive. Drums 1 1/2 minutes in as a full sound comes in before 2 minutes. Check out the ripping guitar. The organ is great after 5 minutes, and vocals return shortly after that. The bass is chunky. "Rolling Stones" is one song i'm not a huge fan of, although the last 3 minutes of instrumenal work is fabulous. "Voce Sabe" features acoustic guitar melodies and percussion.The vocals 3 minutes in with harmonies remind me of CSN&Y. "Hey Joe" no not that tune, is the longest on here at over 12 minutes. The pastoral sections are done so well.The climate changes a lot in this one. Mellotron after 5 minutes. Nice. Thom Yorke-like vocals 7 minutes in as the mood turns melancholic. The last part of the song is brighter with heavy bass and vocals.
"Uma Pessoa So" opens with lots of piano melodies with vocals. The song becomes more powerful as bass, drums and organ join in. Some mellotron on this one. This uplifting passage recalls VIOLETA DE OUTONO for me. "Ainda Vou Transail Com Voce" is a cool song that opens with the sound of pouring rain and thunder. An uptempo melody follows with vocals, drums and lots of organ. An outburst of guitar 4 minutes in that continues the rest of the way, until the song ends with a thunderstorm like it began.

John Davie

As I have indicated in my review of their previous album, in which the title track "Mutantes e Seus Cometas no Pais do Baurets" was a progressive epic of almost twelve minutes, this was really the link between their former style(s) and their true progressive birth.
This album is dramatically different to all their previous ones (for the best). Huge amount of keys are available. But the one which is shining a lot is the Hammond organ. The title track is an hymn to the early ELP-ish sounds, but not only. Fine guitar work and pleasant vocals (in Portuguese) do add a "Mutantes" touch to it. This might well be my favourite song of the band so far.
The band reverts to a heavier sound during "Rolling Stone(s)". But the song is a fine mix between heavy rock and truly prog music. The best part is the second instrumental one featuring some good guitar work; but the rhythmic section also plays an interesting role in here. Keys make me think of the great Cocker cover version for "Little Help For My Friends". A good track.
Compositions are on the longer side which is fine with me. Since they are very pleasant, it leaves the band experiment a bit more with their sounds, rhythm and inspiration. And even if the acoustic "Você Sabe" is one of the weakest of the album, it still sounds enjoyable and features some nice vocal harmonies.
The epic song of this album, "Hey Joe" has a complex structure and changes from theme several times. Passing through a lot of peaceful mood. In terms of vocals, I want to stress again the excellent job performed. The whole of this song is maybe too mellowish.
This is maybe the reproach one can address to this album. The atmosphere is almost similar since "Você Sabe" has started. "Uma Pessoa Só" breaks a bit this feeling and reverts to a more upbeat music. This song is pretty close to a YesSong but still has its own merit and originality (even if the bass is very much in the Squire sphere). Another good track (but there are no weak numbers here).
The closing song is a kaleidoscope of what is available on this album: great keys, well crafted vocals, sweet passages, rocking parts and fine guitar as well. A pleasant way to close actually.
If you like the Italian symphonic genre, chances are high that you will like this record as well. This is by far the best album of the band up to this release. Their first progressive effort and I am more than happy to have listened to this very good work.

ZowieZiggy

Wow! Rita Lee has left the band, and then, Os Mutantes have found their own way into progressive rock. And this was awesome! O 'A' E O 'Z' is Another masterpiece from Os Mutantes, but this time, into progressive rock. The first and main track strikes with majestic keyboards, mellotron and organ a la ELP and some kind of Genesis feeling. I can feel the band emanating energy at this point. Rolling Stones, the second track, offers a very nice bassline and hammond solos. Você Sabe is another great track, acoustic and progressive. The vocals remind me of Yes at times. Hey Joe is an epic symphonic song with very pleasent passages. Uma Pessoa Só goes better and better, and the second half of the song are probably one of the best times at this album. The ending track lyrics, song and title, Ainda Vou Transar Com Você, is where the band shows that their early sense of humor didn't die, but it's the worst song here, but it's not bad at all.
Better than Os Mutantes psychedelic debut? Maybe. This is the first progressive victory by the band. Must check.

Lucas

Mutantes was one of the first bands to start making Progressive Rock in Brazil, by 1972, a very good prog song was released in the "Mutantes e Seus Cometas no País dos Baurets" with 12 minutes long .
In that time the live shows was very progressive too, much more then studio work.
Just after above album, Rita Lee went ( main vocal and lyrics ) and then the Baptista Brothers ( Guitarist/vocals Sergio Dias Batpista, Keyboard/bass/vocals Arnaldo Dias Baptista, and by the way, the technical partner not credited as he should be third brother Claudio Cesar Dias Baptista ) starts to make a more and more progressive work.
They have a contract with record label Philips at that time, and to fulfill it "O A e o Z" has been recorded ! An incredibly good progressive album for the time in Brazil ( 1973 ) but for some "critics" it is "too Yes like" to be released, so the label decided to release an album with tracks recorded but not yet released from last 4 years of Mutantes work, but credited it to Rita Lee instead of Mutantes named "Hoje é o Primeiro Dia do Resto de Sua Vida" ( Today is the First Day of the Rest of Your Life ) to fulfill the contractual needs ...
So this record was know for some, but unreleased for 20 years !!! Just in 1992 finally Polygram ( today's owner of all Phillips label accents ) decided to release it directly in CD format .
The first track, "A e o Z" is a good introduction to what is coming, much Hammond organ and Guitar .
Second track, "Roiling Stones" starts as a rock and roll song, but don't worry, is changes a lot, a good song .
The third is one of my favorites, "Voce Sabe" ( You Know ) with Serginho showing all his virtuosism in acoustic guitar, very good !
Traks 4 ( Hey Joe ) and 5 ( "Uma Pessoa Só", something like "Just One Person" ) is the top prog ! I can not decide witch is the better, exceptional work of bass ( from Arnolfo Lima Filho, AKA Liminha, very know today as one of best record producer working in Brazil ) Keyboards ( especially Hammond ) and Guitar, with lots of solos and rithm changes, reminds me much the "Yesalbum" , probably why the label decided to do not release it in the time it is recorded .
The last track is the poor one in the record, more "simple" ( may be intimist ? ) one .
A very good addition to any collection!

Fábio Rabelo

Without Rita Lee´s beautiful voice and presence, Mutantes creat their first real progressive album, reaching an unbelievable level. This is one of the best progressive albums I ever heard, being placed alongside with Trilogy (ELP), Selling England by the Pound (Genesis) and Red (King Crimson).

Ricardo Andrade

First progressive attempt from Mutantes, this album is their best after Rita Lee departure. All songs have a strong The Nice/ELP and Yes influence especially because of the mighty Hammond sound from the genius Arnaldo Baptista, the main force behind the band. Sadlly Baptista left the group after the album was recorded and then Mutantes turned into a Italian prog pastiche. But this O A E O Z is probably the best brazillian progressive rock ever recorded. Great drumming, nice Rickenbacker bass, excelent guitar and, boy, fantastic Hammond organ. The PROG ARCHIVES album information dont shows the line up. Arnaldo Baptista - all keyboards; Sergio Dias - Guitars; Liminha - bass and Dinho - Drums. If you like the progressive sound made in Brazil, you MUST have this album.

Sunhillow

The most progressive album from Mutantes, probably their best work in this direction. The album shows a musical change occurred after Rita Lee and Arnaldo Antunes departure and the abandon of psichodelic-folk ("tropicalismo") orientation in benefit to a more symphonic prog rock orientation by the leadership of Sergio Dias (guitars). Highlly reccomended.

Cláudio Soares de Sousa

It's really a great album, even though Rita Lee's departure. This is pure progressive rock, maybe the best prog ever in Brazil. I really like this album, but it's really different than the other ones. The first 3 Mutantes' albums were to Psychedelic. The first 3 songs, we realize how influenced by yes (just listen to the bass), ELP and another English prog bands.

gweyne

Excellent album, excellent musicians. Os Mutantes was one of the first prog-rock bands in Brazil. I recommend this album to everyone. In addiction to this, i recommend Bacamarte, Casa das Máquinas and O Terço.

Shaylon

 

Para terminar, un trabajo imperdible ¡que casi desaparece en el tiempo sin dejar rastros! No se pueden perder esta obra de arte, otro discazo ultra recomendado!

 

Lo podés escuchar desde Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/album/548e5m82vRlJZsow0jY1Ur

 

Lista de Temas:
1. 'A' e o 'Z'
2. Rolling Stone
3. Você Sabe
4. Hey Joe
5. Uma Pessoa Só
6. Ainda Vou Transar com Você

Alineación:
- Arnaldo Baptista / Hammond organ L100, Mellotron, Hohner clavinet, cello, vocals, backing vocals
- Sérgio Dias / electric guitar (Régulus and Fender Stratocaster), sitar, 12-string acoustic guitar, vocals, backing vocals
- Liminha / bass guitar (Regulus and Rickenbacker), backing vocals, acoustic guitar
- Dinho Leme / drums, tabla, backing vocals