José Mauro – Obnoxious (Far Out Recordings, 2016)
Obnoxious is a cult album that was originally released in 1970 by Brazilian label Quartin. It’s a recording full of musical surprises and lavish unexpected arrangements by composer, guitarist and vocalist José Mauro.
The opening track, “Obnoxious”, sets the tone for the entire album. You’ll find orchestral arrangements, loungy brass, great Brazilian percussion, psychedelia and more. The arrangements sound like a fabulous Brazilian soundtrack to a secret agent movie.
But there is also a melancholic undercurrent and Catholic references in the lyrics that sets it apart from the “happier” forms of Brazilian music that were popular at the time.
The lineup includes José Mauro on vocals and guitar; Maurilio on trumpet; Paulo Mora on alto sax; Altamiro Carrilho on flute; Rildo Hora on gaita; Salvador on keyboards; Geraldo Vespar on guitar; Sebastiao Marinho on bass; Juquinha and Marnao on percussion; Wilson Das Neves on drums; and Roberto Quartin’s string ensemble.
Buy Obnoxious in the rest of the world
Buy Obnoxious in Europe
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
