Geração do Som

Pepeu Gomes

1978

Cover of Geração do Som
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Why This Album Matters

Geração do Som, released in 1978, represents a fundamental milestone in Pepeu Gomes' career, being his first solo work after the dissolution of the influential group Novos Baianos. The album not only signalled the artist's transition to an individual career, but also consolidated it as one of the first instrumental Brazilian rock albums. This debut album is proof of the guitarist's virtuosity and creative freedom, where his ideas developed, lending a distinctive sound to his compositions. Pepeu Gomes was already experimenting and mixing rhythms while with Novos Baianos, and in Geração do Som, he expands this fusion, blending jazz rock with funk, baião, frevo, samba, and choro, while maintaining a remarkable cohesion.

Context

Pepeu Gomes built his musical reputation in the 1970s as an integral part of Novos Baianos, a seminal group where he acted as guitarist, composer, and arranger. During this period, he deepened his studies in Brazilian music, exploring rhythms such as samba, frevo, choro, and maracatu, in addition to learning to play the mandolin. After the demise of Novos Baianos, Pepeu decided to forge his own path, which resulted in the release of Geração do Som in 1978. This moment marked the beginning of his solo career, allowing him to fully express his experiments and the virtuosity that would make him globally recognised.

Recording

Geração do Som was recorded at CBS Studios and featured Pepeu Gomes not only on guitar, but also on guibando, acoustic guitar, acoustic and electric mandolin, piano, organ, and vocals. The album featured the participation of various musicians, including members of the Gomes family and former companions from Novos Baianos, who contributed to the creation of this work. The arrangements were handled by Pepeu Gomes, with string and brass arrangements and conducting by Paulo Machado. Artistic direction was by Jairo Pires, and production direction by Carlos Alberto Sion. Pepeu Gomes referred to Geração do Som as the first guitar album recorded in Brazil, a reference point for musicians even today.

Songs

The album is predominantly instrumental, reflecting the essence of Brazilian rock with influences of jazz, funk, and regional rhythms. Among the twelve tracks that make up the album, notable compositions include "Saudação", "Fissura", "Linda Cross", "Belo Horizonte", "Toninho Cerezo", "Malacaxeta", "Alto da Silveira", "Tambaú", "Buchinha" and "Flamenguista", all penned by Pepeu Gomes. There is also the inclusion of "Odette", a composition by Dunga and Herivelto Martins, and "Didilhando", by Didi Gomes and Pepeu Gomes, showcasing the diversity and sonic exploration that characterise the album.

Rankings

Tracks

Credits

Orchestrated By

Leonardo Bruno, Lindolfo Gaya

Piano

Taiguara

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Analyses

Discogs

Geração do Som – Discogs

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