Corra o Risco
Olivia Byington e A Barca do Sol
1978
Why This Album Matters
Released in 1978, Corra o Risco marks Olívia Byington's phonographic debut and represents a singular moment in Brazilian music due to the artistic confluence with the band A Barca do Sol. The album stands out for its musical intensity and extensive vocal tessitura, which, combined with an emotional sensibility, guide the listener through eleven striking sonic portraits. It is a work that navigates between subtlety and aggression, the tranquil and the nervous, blending poetry, folk, and rock. The work is experimental and challenging, full of elaborate musical flourishes and ornamented vocal inflections, which reveal a restless creativity. It presents a fusion of influences and styles, transitioning from medieval folk to progressive rock, with a touch of psychedelia. This album is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful records made in Brazil, a rare example where the collaboration represents a pinnacle for both artists involved, solidifying Olívia Byington's unique musical identity and A Barca do Sol's instrumental talent.
Context
In 1978, when Corra o Risco was released, Olívia Byington emerged as a new voice among a crop of singers who marked the Brazilian music scene of the late 1970s. A Barca do Sol, in turn, already had two acclaimed studio albums and a consolidated trajectory since its formation in 1973, initially as Piry Reis's backing band. The group was known for blending electric elements with acoustic instruments such as acoustic guitar, cello, viola, and flute, and for incorporating texts by poets from the "Geração Marginal" in their performances, such as Geraldo Carneiro, Cacaso, and João Carlos Pádua. The collaboration on Olívia Byington's debut album took place in this scenario of artistic effervescence and experimentation within MPB and progressive rock.
Recording
The album was Olívia Byington's debut record, but it featured the extensive instrumentation and arrangements of the band A Barca do Sol. The group also contributed a large part of the compositions, some of which had already been recorded on their previous releases, while others were unreleased. The artistic production of Corra o Risco was overseen by Geraldo Carneiro, who was also co-author of nine of the album's eleven tracks. The album cover was created by Bita Carneiro and Lula Lindenberg.
Songs
The particularities of the songs on Corra o Risco lie in their rich sonic and lyrical tapestry. The album begins with a striking opening with "Fantasma da Ópera", which features a folk/medieval feel highlighted by the flute. Subsequently, the winding melody and melancholic poetry of "Lady Jane", by Nando and Geraldo Carneiro, became a radio hit, boosting Olívia's recognition. The title track, "Corra o Risco", signed by Olívia Byington and Geraldo Carneiro, is accompanied by a beautiful arrangement of strings, flute, and percussion, utilising exclusively acoustic instruments. "Lobo do Mar" stands out on the album's "B-side", considered "more nervous", with electrifying arrangements that flirt with progressive rock, fantastic vocalisation, and a fuzz guitar solo. The melancholic "Água e Vinho", by Egberto Gismonti and Geraldo Carneiro, offers a moment of calm, while the album concludes in the poetic and musical delirium of "Luz do Tango", by Astor Piazzolla and Geraldo Carneiro.
Legacy
Corra o Risco was received with great appreciation by critics, with Sérgio Cabral, then music critic for O Globo newspaper, considering Olívia Byington the best singer of her generation. The album is frequently recommended to lovers of progressive rock, hard rock, psychedelia, and folk, and is seen as a record of great intensity and originality. Despite not having achieved resounding commercial success at the time, the album gained a loyal audience and lasting appreciation among those who know it. "Lady Jane" was successful on FM radio stations, contributing to the work's visibility. The record is recognised as a milestone in Olívia Byington's career and an important document of the fusion between MPB and progressive rock in Brazil.
Rankings
Tracks
Credits
Ramalho Neto
A Barca Do Sol
Jorge Corrêa, Max Pierre
Geraldo E. Carneiro
Alain Pierre Magalhaes, Beto Resende, David Gang, Jaques Morelenbaum, Marcelo Costa, Muri Costa, Nando Carneiro
Don Lewis
Milton Araújo
Bita Carneiro, Luis Carlos Lindenberg
Books
Analyses
#50 - Olivia - Corra o Risco (1978) - Ranking dos (meus) 107 Melhores ...
pressenza.com
MÚSICA Por Renan Simões Corra o risco (1978), álbum de estreia de Olivia Byington, é sobre intensidade. Com uma musicalidade à flor da pele, extensa tessitura vocal e emocionante sensibilidade, Olivia nos conduz por onze incríveis retratos musicais. A cantora é acompanhada pela banda A Barca do Sol, esta em seu melhor registro em álbum, e que se encarregou dos inesquecíveis arranjos e ...
Corra o Risco - Olívia Byington e a Barca do Sol (1978)
discologiaacervo.blogspot.com
Formação: Olivia Byington (vocal), acompanhada do grupo A Barca do Sol - Nando Carneiro (violão e vocal), Muri Costa (violão, viola e vocal), Jacques Morelembaum (violoncelo, violino, piano e vocal), Marcelo Costa (bateria e percussão), Beto Rezende (guitarra, viola, violão e percussão), Alain Pierre (baixo) e David Ganc (flauta). Participação especial do maestro John Neschling.
Discogs
Corra o Risco – Discogs
discogs.com