Wilson Simonal Tem Algo Mais

Wilson Simonal

1963

Cover of Wilson Simonal Tem Algo Mais
Top 100

Why This Album Matters

Wilson Simonal Tem Algo Mais, released in 1963, marks the recording debut of one of the most charismatic and talented singers in Brazilian music. This album stands out for presenting a smooth, confident, and vibrant vocal style, which moved away from the then-dominant purism of bossa nova, to incorporate elements of Brazilian 'Rat Pack' pop, jazz, and orchestral arrangements. The record paved the way for Simonal's unique sound, characterised by contagious energy and rhythmic eclecticism. Although rooted in samba, the work demonstrates a fusion with other styles, offering a more 'communicative' and swing-filled musical proposition for the era, which would become a premonition of what would later be known as pilantragem.

Context

Before releasing his first LP, Wilson Simonal had already built a reputation as a singer in Rio de Janeiro's nightclubs, performing in iconic venues such as Beco das Garrafas, where he performed rock, calypso, and contemporary Brazilian songs. His initial rise was propelled by Carlos Imperial, a composer and producer who discovered him and led him to television appearances. The record label released singles in 1962 and 1963 to test Simonal's receptiveness to different musical styles before the release of his debut album.

Recording

The album Wilson Simonal Tem Algo Mais was released by the Odeon/EMI record label in 1963. The production of the original LP was handled by Milton Miranda. Lyrio Panicali was the musical director and responsible for the album's orchestral arrangements, with Z. J. Merky acting as recording supervisor and J. Ribamar as producer. The technical details of the original LP release, however, did not credit the musicians who participated in the recordings.

Songs

The repertoire of Wilson Simonal Tem Algo Mais is composed of twelve tracks that explore a variety of styles, with a focus on samba and bossa nova, but always with Simonal's unique interpretation. The album includes "Balanço Zona Sul", by Tito Madi, which became the singer's first major radio hit and one of the album's most notable songs. Other renowned composers contributed to the album, such as Marcos Valle and Paulo Sérgio Valle with "Tudo De Você", Roberto Menescal and Ronaldo Bôscoli with "Telefone", Luiz Bonfá and Maria Helena Toledo with "Menina Flor", and Rildo Hora with "Menino Triste". The songs demonstrate Simonal's ability to navigate different sounds, delivering each song with his characteristic powerful voice and charisma.

Legacy

Wilson Simonal Tem Algo Mais was a significant success, especially driven by the song "Balanço Zona Sul", which projected Simonal onto the national stage and earned him great exposure. The success of the album and "Balanço Zona Sul" led Simonal to perform at the prestigious Beco das Garrafas between 1964 and 1965, an important hub of Brazilian music at the time. The record consolidated the foundation for Simonal's future career, as he would become one of the great names in MPB, with a style that fused samba, soul, and pop, evolving into what he would call "pilantragem".

Rankings

Tracks

Credits

Music Director, Orchestrated By

Lyrio Panicali

Producer

José Ribamar da Silva

Recording Supervisor

Z. J. Merky

Technician [Equalization], Lacquer Cut By

Reny R. Lippi

Technician

Ademar Rocha

Technician

Paulo Tito

Coordinator

Milton Miranda

Liner Notes

Ricardo Galeno

Photography By

Mafra

Films

Books

Analyses

Discogs

Wilson Simonal Tem Algo Mais – Discogs

discogs.com