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Os Mutantes rises again

Posted Oct 14, 2009 by Clarisa Gerlach

Updated Oct 14, 2009 at 06:40 AM

Five years ago, the idea of an Os Mutantes tour seemed about as likely as one by Jimi Hendrix. The Brazilian psychedelic outfit had packed it in, seemingly for good, in the late ‘70s. Few U.S. listeners ever heard - or even heard of - the group during its lifetime.

But the trio’s records attracted the attention of some big-name fans such as Kurt Cobain, David Byrne and Beck. London promoters proposed a reunion gig. Singer Rita Lee declined, but the Dias brothers, Sergio and Arnaldo, revived the name in 2006. Arnaldo departed once again, but Sergio now soldiers on with an expanded lineup and a new album, this year’s “Haih … or Amortecedor.”

The new lineup of Os Mutantes lived up to its name and then some Tuesday night at Skipper’s Smokehouse.

Sergio Dias, clad for the first part of the set in a white choir robe, led the band through a set that featured large chunks of “Haih” as well as material from the original lineup’s late ‘60s discs.

Two things became apparent early on. One, the new material sounded as vital and exciting as the older tunes; and two, this lineup was so strong as to make complaints about it including only one original member superfluous.

Dias was a psychedelic guitar master, creating sounds live one might have though only possible in the studio. Singer Bia Mendes was a joy to watch as well as hear, her movements and expressions showing she was as taken with the music as was the crowd. Her breath-taxing delivery on “2000 E Agarrum” couldn’t help but provoke a smile. Drummer Dinho Leme, who played with Os Mutantes in the early ‘70s, was as brilliant on the jazzy waltz “Baby” as he was on the harder-rocking material. 

Os Mutantes’ music may be strange, but it’s not difficult. The elements are familiar, you just haven’t heard them put together this way before. The musicianship was top-notch, but instead of indulging in pointless soloing, the band members used their skills to drive the music into new and wonderful territory. The harmonies were stunning as well.

The set built to a climactic peak, as “Bat Macumba” gave way to joyous, ecstatic riffing that brought the set to a close, leaving the crowd happily drained.

Openers DeLeon brought energy and imagination to a set of tunes it said were all more than 500 years old. Banjo, melodica and hand percussion joined with guitar, bass as samples to create a mix of modern-day sonics and Old World drama.