Mutantes - Ao Vivo (1976) | CLOCKWORK PEACH

Label: Som Livre
Country: Brazil
Released: 1976
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Release Overview

In 1976, Brazilian progressive rock band Os Mutantes released their first official live album titled Ao Vivo. This album was distributed by Som Livre and captures the band's unique sound during a series of concerts held in December 1976 at the Museu de Arte Moderna (MAM) in Rio de Janeiro. It features a total of thirteen tracks, primarily consisting of newly composed pieces not found on previous studio recordings.

Recording and Production

The album was produced and engineered by Peninha Schmidt, who recorded the performance directly to two-track stereo. Guto Graça Mello coordinated the production, while Antonio Henrique Nitzsche handled the art direction. This meticulous approach ensured that the energy and atmosphere of the live performances were well represented on the vinyl format.

Musical Content

Ao Vivo presents a mid-70s symphonic progressive rock sound, showcasing the band's experimental nature. The tracks include “Anjos Do Sul,” “Benvindo / Mistérios,” and “Trem / Dança Dos Ventos,” among others. Each song reflects a blend of various instruments and styles, highlighting the band's eclectic approach to music. The lineup during this recording consisted of Sérgio Dias on lead vocals and multiple guitars, Luciano Alves on keyboards, Paulo de Castro on bass and violin, and Rui Motta on drums and percussion.

Track Features

The performances on Ao Vivo are characterized by intricate arrangements and dynamic transitions. The inclusion of instruments such as the Danelectro sitar and Showbud pedal steel guitar adds texture to the overall sound. Tracks like “Esquizofrenia” and “Loucura Pouca É Bobagem” offer a glimpse into the band's diverse musical influences, from rock to Brazilian rhythms.

Release Format

This album was released in vinyl LP format, catering to the contemporary music scene of the 1970s. The choice of vinyl reflects the band's commitment to the authenticity of sound, inviting listeners to experience the live atmosphere at home.

Live Performance Context

The concerts at the Museu de Arte Moderna were a significant event for Os Mutantes, showcasing their ability to engage audiences with their live performances. The energy of the crowd and the spontaneity of the live setting contribute to the distinctive character of the album.

Os Mutantes' Ao Vivo was released in 1976 under the catalog number 403.6105 by Som Livre.

Tracklist

A1	Anjos Do Sul Written-By – Sergio Dias
A2	Benvindo/Mistérios Written-By – Sergio Dias
A3a	Trem Written-By – Paulo De Castro
A3b	Dança Dos Ventos Written-By – Mutantes*
A4	Sagitários Written-By – Sergio Dias
A5	Esquizofrenia Written-By – Sergio Dias
A6	Rio De Janeiro Written-By – Paulo De CastroWritten-By – Ruy Motta*
B1	Loucura Pouca É Bobagem Written-By – Luciano AlvesWritten-By – Sergio Dias
B2	Hey Tu Written-By – Paulo De CastroWritten-By – Sergio Dias
B3	Rock'N Roll City Written-By – Sergio Dias
B4	Tudo Explodindo Written-By – Paulo De CastroWritten-By – Rui Motta
B5	Grand Finale Written-By – Luciano Alves
B6	Anjos Do Sul Written-By – Sergio Dias

Credits

Art Direction – Antonio Henrique Nitzsche
Bass [Stratonil], Violin, Vocals – Paulo De Castro
Coordinator – Guto Graça Mello
Design – Deco
Drums, Percussion, Timpani, Vocals – Rui Motta
Edited By – Ieddo*
Electric Guitar [Stratocaster, Rickenbacker Q], Sitar [Danelectro], Steel Guitar [Showbud], Lead Vocals – Sergio Dias
Electronics – Franklin*
Engineer [Recording Assistant], Photography By – Alexandre*
Engineer [Recording], Producer – Peninha Schmidt*
Executive-Producer [Show] – Samuca
Lighting – Auro
Lighting – Wiz
Mixed By [Equalizing] – Andy*
Mixed By [Equalizing] – Don*
Organ [Hammond], Synthesizer [Mini Moog, Mini Korg], Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Piano [Steinway], Keyboards [Hohner Strings], Vocals – Luciano Alves
Photography By – A.H. Nitzsche*
Producer [Show] – Mario Buonfiglio
Stage Manager – Glauco