Terra
Sá, Rodrix e Guarabyra
1973
Rankings
Why This Album Matters
Released in 1973, Terra is the second album in the discography of the trio Sá, Rodrix e Guarabyra, a work that became fundamental for the consolidation of the movement they helped to create: rock rural. The record is seen as the one that transformed the possibilities explored by the group into reality, marking a high point in the fusion of sonorities. With a bold musical proposal, the album delves into the rich tapestry of Brazilian music, blending elements of rock, folk, and sertanejo with strong regional influences. This distinct approach and the ability to combine different genres give the work a unique identity, which continues to resonate with listeners and critics, evidencing the trio's creativity and musicality.
Context
The trio, composed of Luiz Carlos Sá, Guttemberg Guarabyra, and Zé Rodrix, the latter having come from Som Imaginário, had achieved great success with their debut album, Passado, Presente e Futuro, from 1972. This success generated enormous expectation surrounding the release of Terra. However, the period leading up to the recording was marked by a certain weariness, both in their personal and artistic lives, including a complicated tour and disagreements over the management of their careers. There was also a moment of transition, with the trio's move to São Paulo, at the invitation of maestro Rogério Duprat, to work in advertising, something that did not please everyone. A journey by Sá and Guarabyra along the Rio São Francisco deeply marked them with sertaneja culture, creating a disparity in visions with Rodrix, who was already immersed in the urban environment of São Paulo, which caused tensions and different creative directions within the group.
Recording
Terra was recorded in 1973 and released by the Odeon label. The recording sessions were notable for beginning with serious disagreements regarding the repertoire among the members. To circumvent this situation and move forward, the trio reached an agreement that all songs would be credited collectively, as a symbolic response to famous songwriting duos. The album's production was handled by Mariozinho, who had previously worked with the trio. Despite the initial challenges, the process resulted in a work that managed to capture the essence of the style they were developing.
Songs
The album Terra is celebrated for featuring songs that became icons of rock rural, such as "Juriti Butterfly", "Primeira Canção da Estrada", and "Cigarro de Palha". Another notable highlight on the record is "Mestre Jonas", one of the most recognised tracks in the trio's career. The album's musicality is one of its greatest attractions, with carefully crafted arrangements and lyrics that invite reflection, as in "Desenhos No Jornal". The richness of detail in the compositions and arrangements demands multiple listens for all nuances to be fully appreciated. The album also features tracks such as "Os Anos 60", "Blue Riviera", "Adiante", "Pindurado No Vapor", "O Pó Da Estrada", "O Brilho Das Pedras / Paulo Afonso", and "Até Mais Ver".
Legacy
The repercussion of the album Terra was marked by a series of successful shows between 1972 and 1973, consolidating the trio's presence on the music scene. However, a significant event shortly after the release was Zé Rodrix's departure from the group, citing tiredness from tours and performances, which led him to pursue a solo career. From then on, the line-up became Sá & Guarabyra. Curiously, despite the album's recognition, Luiz Carlos Sá himself, in retrospect, did not consider it one of his favourite works, even recognising the presence of "preciosidades pontuais".
Tracks
Credits
Lindolfo Gaya, Mario Tavares
Milton Miranda
Z. J. Merky
Lindolfo Gaya
Guttemberg Guarabyra, Luiz Carlos Sá
Zé Rodrix
Mariozinho Rocha
Jorge Teixeira
Nivaldo Duarte, Toninho
Reny R. Lippi
Waltércio Caldas Jr.
Miguel Rio Branco
Films
Books
Os 500 Maiores Álbuns Brasileiros de Todos os Tempos
Ricardo Alexandre · 2022
The largest Brazilian music election ever conducted: 162 specialists, spanning journalists, critics, musicians, producers and podcasters, each nominated 50 essential albums, supported by a masterlist of more than 2,000 works. Led by Ricardo Alexandre with tabulation by Sérgio Jomori, it was published in December 2022 as a 200-page hardcover book with graphic design by Fernando Pires.
300 Discos Importantes da Música Brasileira
Charles Gavin, Tárik de Souza, Carlos Calado, Arthur Dapieve · 2008
Conceived by Titãs drummer and musical researcher Charles Gavin, the 434-page book brings together covers and reviews of albums released between 1929 and 2007. The texts were written by journalists Tárik de Souza, Arthur Dapieve and Carlos Calado.
Analyses
"Terra" (1973), Sá, Rodrix & Guarabyra - A música de
amusicade.com
At this point, it becomes evident that the album Terra is a manifest sign of the counter-culture that became possible in Brazil under the Military Dictatorship. The act of staying well and alive, the interest in moving 'onwards', appears in contrast to a policy of fear and death.
Discos Escondidos #073: Sá, Rodrix & Guarabyra - Terra (1973)
ojardimeletrico.com
Featuring even better arrangements than the previous album, Zé Rodrix's unmistakable pianos and organs, combined with Sá & Guarabyra's precise strings, set the tone for this album that flirts with countless musical genres incorporated into rock.
Backstage - Discos da minha vida: Terra
revistabackstage.com.br
With this simple quintet, we made the entire album, adding Cezinha de Mercês' harmonica solo to just one track. It was two fast and frantic months in the studio. Even with occasional gems, Terra is far from being one of my favourite works.
Discoteca Básica; 'Terra', Sá, Rodrix & Guarabira (1973)
desconstruindoopop.blogspot.com
Terra was a milestone in the history of Brazilian pop at the time. To this day, Sá & Guarabyra have a loyal following, and much of their current success is due to the work they carried out in 1972 and 1973 alongside Zé Rodrix.
Discoteca Básica Bizz #166: Sá, Rodrix & Guarabyra - Terra (1973)
collectorsroom.com.br
Terra was a milestone in the history of Brazilian pop at the time. To this day, Sá & Guarabyra have a loyal following, and much of their current success is due to the work they carried out in 1972 and 1973 alongside Zé Rodrix.
