Espelho Das Águas
14 Bis
1981
Rankings
Why This Album Matters
Espelho Das Águas, released in 1981, is a milestone in the discography of 14 Bis and Música Popular Brasileira, solidifying the group's particular sound that transcends classification. The album demonstrates the band's ability to weave a rich musical tapestry, blending influences ranging from the international pop rock of The Beatles and the progressive sound of Yes, to the depth of MPB from Milton Nascimento and the roots of Brazilian folk. Through elaborate arrangements, complex vocal harmonies, and the use of analogue keyboards, 14 Bis created a sonic identity that distinguishes them in the music scene. This particular work highlights the poetic vein and instrumental sophistication that would become the signature of the Minas Gerais quartet, establishing them as one of the great names of their generation.
Context
14 Bis emerged in the Brazilian music scene in the late 1970s, born from the union of musicians from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, who were part of the bands O Terço and Bendegó. Flávio Venturini and Vermelho, founding members, already had ties to the influential Clube da Esquina movement. Milton Nascimento's crucial support was fundamental for the band, who signed with EMI and released their self-titled debut album in 1979. Espelho Das Águas, from 1981, was the group's third studio work, following the successful 14 Bis (1979) and 14 Bis II (1980), and consolidated the band's presence in the national music scene.
Recording
The album Espelho Das Águas was recorded and released in 1981 by the EMI label.
Songs
Composed of twelve tracks, Espelho Das Águas features compositions that highlight the versatility of 14 Bis. Among them, "Nos Bailes da Vida" stands out, an unprecedented partnership between Milton Nascimento and Fernando Brant, which would become one of the most emblematic songs in the band's repertoire. Other notable songs include "Mesmo de Brincadeira", with its sound reminiscent of Minas Gerais country music, and "A Qualquer Tempo", which exhibits baroque influences in its composition. The title track, "Espelho Das Águas", is an instrumental piece, demonstrating the group's technical excellence and melodic sensitivity.
Legacy
Espelho Das Águas was an essential album in consolidating 14 Bis within the Brazilian music landscape, propelling the band to perform on widely viewed programmes such as Fantástico. The song "Nos Bailes da Vida" established itself as one of the group's greatest successes, becoming a significant composition in MPB. The album's reception contributed to the enduring trajectory of 14 Bis, which over the years has accumulated millions of streams on streaming platforms and had its name declared intangible heritage of the municipality of Belo Horizonte, a recognition of the group's cultural and artistic relevance.
Tracks
Analyses
A Máquina de Fazer Sonhos: 14 BIS Espelho das Águas 1981
amakina.blogspot.com
The album features a definitive reinterpretation of "Nos Bailes da Vida", solidifying the spiritual partnership with Milton Nascimento. By establishing 14 BIS as a powerhouse in the Pop scene, "Espelho das Águas" proved that it was not necessary to sacrifice technical virtuosity to reach a mass audience.
14 Bis - Espelho Das Águas (1981) | testolandia
testolandia1.blogspot.com
In 1981, Espelho das Águas was released, an album featuring another unreleased track by Milton and Brant, "Nos Bailes da Vida". Source: Wikipedia. Official band website: www.14bis.com.br. Other albums by the band have already been published here on the blog (find them HERE). Preview: PEGUE A BR! MeGaSenha: br320 0283
Espelho das Águas (1981) — Flávio Venturini
flavioventurini.com
Espelho Das Águas (1981), album by Flávio Venturini's 14 Bis. Tracks: "Queima", "Baby", "A Qualquer Tempo", "Razões do Coração"...
