Alegria, Alegria Vol. 2
Wilson Simonal
1968
Why This Album Matters
Alegria, Alegria Vol. 2, released in 1968, is an essential record of Wilson Simonal's musical vitality, consolidating his vibrant style that blends samba, bossa nova, and soul, characterised by what he himself called 'swing'. The album exemplifies the singer's golden era, when his charismatic performance and refined vocal technique placed him among the most prominent names in MPB. It is a work that radiates Simonal's infectious energy and singular musicality, an artist who redefined the way Brazilian popular song was interpreted with an unmistakable rhythm. This work is not merely a continuation of its predecessor's success, but an affirmation of the 'pilantragem' sound that Simonal helped to popularise, a genre that embraced Brazilian rhythmic diversity with international influences, delivered with vocal virtuosity and a stage presence (transposed to the record) that captivated the audience. The album's full title, Alegria, Alegria Vol. 2 ou Quem Não Tem Swing Morre Com a Boca Cheia de Formiga, already anticipates Simonal's irreverence and trademark.
Context
At the time Alegria, Alegria Vol. 2 was released, Wilson Simonal was already a consolidated star in the Brazilian music scene. Having started his career in the 1960s, he hosted high-rating television programmes, such as Spotlight on TV Tupi and Show em Si... Monal and Vamos S'imbora on TV Record. His move to TV Record in January 1966 placed him on the largest Brazilian TV channel of the era, known for its musical programmes that encompassed everything from bossa nova to jovem guarda. This context of wide visibility and success paved the way for the release of an album that reflected his popularity and the innovation of his style, 'pilantragem', in a culturally effervescent Brazil.
Recording
The production of Alegria, Alegria Vol. 2 featured Milton Miranda as production director, while the musical direction, arrangements, and orchestrations were handled by the talented Cezar Camargo Mariano. Jorge Teixeira Da Rocha was the sound engineer responsible for the recording. There are reports that the album featured a greater quantity of brass instruments than indicated in the technical specifications, in addition to the participation of an uncredited string orchestra, which suggests a richness and sonic complexity that surpassed what was detailed in the album's information.
Songs
The album features a diverse repertoire that solidifies Simonal's style, including notable tracks such as "Sá Marina", a composition by Antonio Adolfo and Tibério Gaspar, which would later achieve international recognition when re-recorded by Sérgio Mendes and Stevie Wonder under the title "Pretty World". Other prominent songs are "Zazueira", by Jorge Ben (Ben Jor), and "Recruta Biruta", penned by Nássara, Alberto Ribeiro, and Antônio Almeida. Simonal also collaborates on the composition of "De Como Um Garoto Apaixonado Perdoou Por Causa De Um Dos Mandamentos", alongside Nonato Buzar and Chico Anísio. The song selection highlights the artist's versatility in transitioning between sambas, ballads, and compositions with strong popular appeal.
Legacy
Alegria, Alegria Vol. 2 is an important piece in Wilson Simonal's discography, reflecting his artistic and commercial peak in the 1960s. Although there are no specific sales or award data for this volume in isolation, Simonal's popularity at the time and the success of his music, including songs from this album such as "Sá Marina", which transcended borders, attest to the work's relevance. The album is part of the collection "Na Odeon: 1961-1971", an 8-CD box set that compiles Simonal's work on the label, indicating the historical value attributed to his output during this period. Subsequently, the album was re-released in compilations, such as the 2003 CD "2 Em 1: Alegria, Alegria - Vol. 2 & Alegria! Alegria! Vol. 4", demonstrating continuous interest in his work.
Rankings
Tracks
Credits
César Camargo Mariano
Lyrio Panicali
Milton Miranda
Jorge Teixeira Da Rocha
Z. J. Merky
Reny R. Lippi
Moacyr Rocha
Studio Maitiry
Films
Simonal
2019
A phenomenon of popularity in the 1960s, Wilson Simonal saw his meteoric career fall apart when he was accused of collaborating with the Brazilian military dictatorship.
Simonal: No One Knows How Tough It Was
2009
In a time of timeless and revolutionary talents, Wilson Simonal shined as nobody before and innovated as only a few could. All of a sudden, everything vanished. This film maps the spectacular trajectory of the ex-Army corporal that ruled as a monarch, and was condemned to ostracism for an offense to which he pleaded not guilty.
Books
The 500 Greatest Brazilian Albums of All Time
Ricardo Alexandre · 2022
The election was spearheaded by journalist Ricardo Alexandre, creator of the Discoteca Básica podcast. Ricardo consulted 162 specialists including journalists, YouTubers, podcasters, musicians, record-shop owners and producers. The result was published as a 200-page hardcover book, with graphic design by Fernando Pires.
Nem vem que não tem: a vida e o veneno de Wilson Simonal
Ricardo Alexandre · 2009
Esta é amplamente reconhecida como a biografia definitiva de Wilson Simonal. O livro oferece um panorama detalhado da vida e carreira do artista, desde seus primeiros sucessos até suas controversas últimas décadas. Cobre em profundidade sua obra musical, incluindo os álbuns lançados em 1968, como 'Alegria, Alegria Vol. 2', contextualizando-os dentro de sua trajetória artística e pessoal.
Analyses
Blog da Música Brasileira: 1968 - Alegria, Alegria Vol. 2 ou Quem Não ...
blogdamusicabrasileira.blogspot.com
E nada melhor que neste primeiro dia do novo ano trazer o carisma, o talento e um pouco da história de um dos maiores nomes da história da música brasileira, o carioca Wilson Simonal.
Wilson Simonal - Alegria, Alegria Vol. 2 (1968)
musicasdonordeste.net
Esse encontro histórico, que foi eternizado ao final da turnê de 1996 com um show gravado no Canecão (RJ), teve mais dois volumes, sem a presença de Alceu Valença. Agora, duas décadas após o lançamento do projeto que já vendeu mais de 2 milhões discos, Alceu volta a se unir...
Discogs
Alegria, Alegria Vol. 2 – Discogs
discogs.com