O Som
Meirelles e os Copa 5
1964
Why This Album Matters
Released in 1964, O Som, by Meirelles e os Copa 5, is a seminal work and one of the most emblematic albums of national samba-jazz. The record captures the energy and sophistication of one of the most innovative groups in Brazilian music, being a landmark in the development of this unique instrumental style. It is widely recognised as a pinnacle of samba-jazz, demonstrating that it was not merely a facet of bossa nova, but a musical movement with its own language and identity. O Som represented a synthesis of the creative fervour that permeated the legendary Beco das Garrafas, paving the way for the modernisation of Brazilian music. Its compositions and arrangements are considered among the best and most sophisticated of the period's output, rivalling both the most notable bossa nova and American jazz of the time. This visionary work was a classic ahead of its time, and its relevance endures to this day.
Context
J. T. Meirelles, saxophonist, arranger and composer, was a central figure in the emergence and consolidation of samba-jazz in the 1960s. His career began at 17 playing saxophone with João Donato, and in 1963, at just 23 years old, he distinguished himself as an arranger for Jorge Ben's debut album, Samba Esquema Novo, which included the iconic hit "Mas que Nada". The great repercussion of this work with Jorge Ben earned Meirelles an invitation from producer Armando Pittigliani, of Companhia Brasileira de Discos (now Universal Music), to join the Philips record label's catalogue. This opportunity allowed Meirelles to record his own instrumental albums with complete artistic freedom. Back in Rio de Janeiro, he formed the instrumental group Os Copa 5 with talented musicians connected to bossa nova, such as Luiz Carlos Vinhas (piano), Dom Um Romão (drums), Manoel Gusmão (bass) and Pedro Paulo (trumpet). The ensemble became a celebrated attraction at Bottle's Bar, in Beco das Garrafas, and O Som represented a significant shift from bossa nova for these instrumentalists.
Recording
The album O Som was released by Philips Records in 1964, produced by Armando Pittigliani, and recorded in Rio de Janeiro. The main line-up of Meirelles e os Copa 5 featured J. T. Meirelles on tenor saxophone and flute, Luiz Carlos Vinhas on piano, Dom Um Romão on drums, Pedro Paulo on trumpet and Manoel Gusmão on double bass. In addition to the main members, the album featured the participation of other notable instrumentalists from the scene at the time, including Eumir Deodato on piano, Edison Machado on drums, Roberto Menescal on acoustic guitar and Waltel Branco on electric guitar, solidifying the strength and virtuosity of the ensemble. The mono recording, as indicated by some re-editions, reflects the production techniques of the era.
Songs
O Som features six tracks, all original compositions by J. T. Meirelles, which demonstrate a remarkable transition between rhythmic intensity and refined harmony. The compositions stand out for their complexity and harmonic richness, despite their apparent lightness, and the structure of the tracks rarely repeats, highlighting Meirelles' creative freedom and compositional dexterity. Among the songs, "Quintessência" is recognised for its contagious energy, while "Contemplação" evokes an impressionistic lyricism reminiscent of Bill Evans' style. Other notable tracks that make up the album include "Solitude", "Blue Bottle's", "Nordeste" and "Tânia".
Legacy
O Som quickly established itself as a fundamental reference for Brazilian instrumental samba-jazz, directly influencing the fusion of samba and jazz genres. Its relevance is attested by various re-editions over the years, including remastered CD releases in 2001 and 2003, and in special formats such as SHM-CD in 2023. 180-gram vinyl editions were also released at different times, such as in 2007 and 2025, making the album accessible to new generations of listeners and collectors. The album's international recognition is noteworthy, with British DJs being the first to embrace the vigour of 1960s Brazilian instrumental music and incorporate it into their dance floors. O Som features on important lists, such as '1001 Discos da Música Brasileira', and maintains a high rating of 4.71 out of 5 stars on platforms like Discogs, with a large number of interested buyers, which reflects its desirability in the market. The resale value of the original vinyl can vary significantly, reaching hundreds of dollars, evidencing its status as a collector's item.
Rankings
Tracks
Credits
Armando Pittigliani
Manuel Gusmao
Dom Um Romao
Luiz Carlos Vinhas
João Theodoro Meirelles
Pedro Paulo
Sylvio Rabello
Célio Martins
Paulo Breves
Mafra
Books
Analyses
Cliquemusic : Disco : O SOM
cliquemusic.com.br
Mas já parece haver um consenso que este O Som, disco de estréia do grupo Meirelles & Os Copa 5, é a "pedra de Rosetta" do samba-jazz, fusão da fluidez jazzistica com o drive ritmico do samba - um som único, elegante, juntando o melhor de dois mundos.
CD Box Set Meirelles e os Copa 5 - Samba Jazz Clássico Brasileiro
arcanjodiscos.com.br
Para os amantes do samba-jazz e da música instrumental brasileira, o box com 3 CDs de Meirelles e os Copa 5 é um item indispensável. Este conjunto reúne três álbuns essenciais que marcaram a história da música no Brasil, com o saxofone e a flauta de J.T. Meirelles e a maestria de músicos lendários.
O Baú Dos Discos: Meirelles E Os Copa 5 - Blogger
baudosdiscos.blogspot.com
No ano seguinte, produziu "O Novo Som", com uma formação totalmente renovada, que teve Eumir Deodato, Edison Machado, Roberto Menescal e Waltel Branco. Depois de 1965, Meirelles passaria um longo período sem compor.
Novedos | Meirelles e Os Copa 5 - O Som
novedos.com
All original pressings and not for sale. Meirelles e Os Copa 5 - O Som Label: Philips Year: 1964 Genre: Bossa Nova Top shelf instrumental jazz with a killer lineup including Dom Um Romao and Luiz Carlos Vinhas https://www.discogs.com/Meirelles-E-Os-Copa-5-O-Som/release/5155191 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter
Búzios Bossa Blog: J.T. Meirelles e os Copa 5 - O Som - 1964
buziosbossablog.blogspot.com
* As 3 faixas bônus (O Novo Som, Solo e Serelepe) são do disco de 1965 "O Novo Som" de Meirelles e os Copa 5, só que com outra formação: J.T. Meirelles (sax e flauta)
Discogs
O Som – Discogs
discogs.com