DESCRIPTION
Some things take time to happen — some perhaps a bit longer than they should — but finally, we are delighted to present a reissue of the iconic and highly sought-after Brazilian album Alucinolândia by Zito Righi e Seu Conjunto, originally released in 1969.
With its surreal, trippy cover art — hands clutching eyeballs against a swirling backdrop — one might expect an acid rock odyssey. Instead, Alucinolândia is a quintessential slice of late-60s Brazilian brilliance: a cocktail of samba, MPB, bossa nova, mod-jazz grooves, and smooth, easy-listening vocals. The mood is breezy, playful, and cool — far removed from the angsty rebellion of the Tropicália movement that dominated the era.
Zito Righi, aka Isidoro Righi, was a celebrated Brazilian saxophonist, instrumentalist, conductor, and composer. For this album, he brought together an exceptional lineup of musicians — including vocalist Sônia Santos, who delivers a fierce and unforgettable performance on the opener ‘Poema Ritmico Do Malandro’. It’s a samba/batucada monster with a funk-infused intro that’s guaranteed to light up any dancefloor. Sônia later re-recorded the track in 1971 for Copacabana Records, which Mr Bongo reissued as part of the Brazil 45s series.
Other highlights include ‘Birimbau’ — a jazzy-samba gem written by Brazilian composer Roberval, who also penned two other tracks on the album. The hypnotic ‘Once in a While’ and short-but-sweet groovers like ‘Bye Bye’ and ‘Sou Feliz Aqui’ help define the album’s uplifting, early-to-mid-'60s feelgood energy.
Though it may have felt out of step in 1969 — a more innocent echo in an era of cultural upheaval — Alucinolândia now finds its footing as a timeless treasure, celebrating over 50 years of joyful, genre-blending Brazilian music.
TRACKLIST
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Poema Ritmico Do Malandro
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Somos Todos Irmãos
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Once In A While
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Birimbau
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Primeira Conjugação
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Bye Bye
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Love Is Here To Stay
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Isn't A Dream
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Sou Feliz Aqui
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Adeus Amor
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Alvorada
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Hert