霧海 Wu-Hai [Vinyl] (ONLINE ORDER ONLY)

For a very long time, we have been trying to re-issue this record; a true and complete album masterpiece in every sense of the word, considered by many people to be one of the greatest ever made, regardless of genre.

Recorded at Studio Somil, Rio De Janeiro in 1972, the album was produced, arranged, directed by the self-taught, Arthur Verocai. Previously he had worked on many records in various capacities, with artists including Jorge Ben, Ivan Lins and Celia, but this album gave him the chance to do his thing in it’s most pure form.

The 29 minute masterpiece, perfect in it’s arrangement and fusion of sonics, epitomises the sound of Brazil at the time; strings, guitars, pianos, break beats, bass lines, synthesizers, vocals from the wonderful Célia, Carlos Dafe and Oberdan (Banda Black Rio), plus percussion from Pedro Santos and Paulo Moura on sax. Bossa nova, samba, jazz, MPB, psychedelics and funk sit side by side effortlessly.
The album transcends the genre of Brazilian music, and infact all genres. Highlighted in part by the number of artists that have sampled from it; MF Doom, Ludacris & Common, Little Brother, Jneiro Jarel aka Dr Who Dat?, Dibiase and Action Bronson amongst others.

The original Continental version of the album now fetch around $2000. Our definitive re-issue is an exact replica of the gatefold original LP and the source master is taken from the Continental tapes, re-mastered in 2012 under Arthur’s supervision.

“Shapeless Beast” starts from the lo-fi drone sound. A door of certain consciousness seems open in the dream. “Moon” Leading by two drums and a flute and collaborating with guitars and synthesiser, a man and a woman are chanting together a short poem searching and going forwards from their individual mist paths. After entering “Eyewood”, as falling into a reddish lake, a drum beat suddenly penetrates into the second level of consciousness. Being dizzy consistently and dancing at the same place, a unique rhythm with a strong tribal drum beats and fuzz guitar provides a special trippy ambiance.

Withdrawn from the clear rainy “Callous”, contemplate with open eyes, emotions calm down gradually
and stories are ready to go to the end. Lastly it comes to the title rhythm “Wu-Hai”. Tapping finely and following the bell ring, we sing softly and seem to be ready to get up and step out slowly, lightly and assertively. Feedback sounds and folk funeral melody of Taiwan are unceasingly playing. Filled with consciousness and memories, we watch the dead doing his last lingering around the border, farewell to the dead and enter the void which end the stories just like that of “Travel Elegy” written by Wislawa Szymborska.

The EP derives from the stories of aboriginals and also life experience of Prairie WWWW‘s members. By three-phase ceremonies – searching, involvement and recurrence, this journey is so written through deep profound introspection and reminiscence.

• Prairie WWWW is an experimental folk band formed in Taipei, Taiwan in 2010.
• Its music combines poetry, folk, ambient and tribal elements.
• The band seeks inspiration from the might of nature, and with a mixture of sounds and visual arts in their performances, they manage to bring forward to their audiences the experience of their unique soundscape visually and aurally.

• Handling Note: **Please allow an additional 5 business days for this item's shipment.**
• Released: 2/19/18
• Format Detail: LP Black
• Format: Vinyl
• Genre: Folk