La Rana
Agustín Pereyra Lucena Quartet
1980
Why This Album Matters
La Rana, released in 1980 by the Argentine Agustín Pereyra Lucena Quartet, is an essential work that flows fluidly between jazz, bossa nova, and South American rhythms, highlighting the guitarist's mastery. The album is distinguished by its sophisticated interpretation of compositions by great names of MPB, such as Ivan Lins, Tom Jobim, and Baden Powell, alongside original pieces that reveal Lucena's own compositional depth. This unique work is an invitation to appreciate warm and introspective music, where Lucena's guitar is the thread connecting engaging melodies and delicate arrangements. The fusion of cultural influences, with roots in South America and touches inspired by the Norwegian landscape, lends the album a rich sound and a welcoming atmosphere, reflecting the artist's joyful and humble connection to music and life.
Context
Agustín Pereyra Lucena was an Argentine composer and guitarist who became a prominent figure in Brazilian and Latin American music. His deep dedication to the guitar led him to collaborate and develop friendships with icons such as Vinicius de Moraes, Dorival Caymmi, Toquinho, Maria Bethânia, Chico Buarque and Quarteto Em Cy. Before the recording of La Rana, Lucena had already shared stages with great names in music, solidifying his reputation as a guitarist of exceptional talent. Two of the quartet's members on La Rana, bassist and multi-instrumentalist Guillermo Reuter and flautist Ruben Izarrualde, were also his bandmates from the group Candeias, indicating an already established and cohesive musical partnership.
Recording
The album La Rana was recorded in Oslo, Norway, in the autumn of 1979 and mixed in March 1980, at Ny York Studio. The album's production featured Agustín Pereyra Lucena himself on guitar, vocals, and percussion, as well as Guillermo Reuter on bass, piano, vocals, and percussion, Ruben Izarrualde on flute, bass flute, and vocals, and Norwegian drummer Finn Sletten on drums and percussion. Agustín Pereyra Lucena not only produced and mixed the album, but also contributed the cover art, a drawing which, according to descriptions, perfectly complements the cordial and inviting tone of the music. The recording stands out for its organic sound, with little electronic instrumentation, except for Guillermo Reuter's electric piano on some tracks, creating a fusion of South American rhythms with inspirations from the Norwegian landscapes.
Songs
La Rana features a balanced repertoire of original compositions by Agustín Pereyra Lucena and reinterpretations of MPB classics. Among the standout tracks are impressive interpretations of Ivan Lins's "3 Horas Da Manha", Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Samba Do Aviao", and Baden Powell's "Pra Que Chorar". The album also includes Lucena's own compositions, such as the fifteen-minute piece "Encuentro De Sombras", which is described as a masterpiece. The title track, "La Rana", is an idiosyncratic version of João Donato's "A Rã", originally released in 1973. The songs often serve as showcases for Lucena's virtuosity on the guitar, simultaneously displaying rhythmic and melodic dexterity, accompanied by Ruben Izarrualde's flute and Finn Sletten's drums.
Legacy
Since its original release in 1980, La Rana has been recognised as a significant album, receiving reissues by labels such as Far Out Recordings in 2021, which introduced it to new generations of listeners. The reissues, available on vinyl and CD, indicate continued interest and an appreciation of its musical relevance. The album is praised for its ability to blend South American rhythms with musical and environmental influences from Norway, creating a unique and timeless sonic experience. Lucena's presence on stage with great names of MPB, mentioned in the album descriptions, attests to the high regard in which he was held by his peers and contributes to the recognition of the importance of his work in the landscape of Latin American and Brazilian music.
Rankings
Tracks
Credits
Agustin Pereyra Lucena Quartet, Guillermo Reuter
Guillermo Reuter
Finn Sletten
Haakon Manheim
Rubén Izaurralde
Agustin Pereyra Lucena
Arvid Esperø
Alan Graves
Guillermo Reuter
Agustin Pereyra Lucena
Jens Petter Kvande
Analyses
Agustín Pereyra Lucena Quartet: La Rana - Spectrum Culture
spectrumculture.com
It's hard to understand how anyone could hear Lucena's 1980 album La Rana, recently reissued by Far Out, and not want to hear more of this Brazilian musical magic.
Agustín Pereyra Lucena Quartet Archives - Spectrum Culture
spectrumculture.com
Tag Archives: Agustín Pereyra Lucena Quartet Agustín Pereyra Lucena Quartet: La Rana By Pat Padua February 1, 2022 in : Music, Music Reviews, Recommended Music
Discogs
La Rana – Discogs
discogs.com