Volume 2

In spite of the title Vol. 2, this is the first solo album by Wilson Simoninha, son of Wilson Simonal, one of the most successful samba singers of the '60s and '70s (who later disappeared from the media and was involved in an obscure episode of political overtones). Simoninha considers his Vol. 1 to be the collective projects of João Marcello Bôscoli & Cia and Artistas Reunidos, the latter a live recorded show by the sons of Simonal, Elis Regina, and Jair Rodrigues. The influence of his father is obvious in the similar voice timbre, the contagious swing, and the re-recording of the refrain of one song of his repertory, "Nanã" (Moacir Santos/Mário Telles), melted in a rap. The album brings a strong soul music influence as well, with hip-hop and the alluded rap, always interpreted with swinging competency. "Bebete Vãobora" (Jorge Ben) and "É isso Que Dá" (Daniel Carlomagno/Jairzinho Oliveira) are exciting sambas in their contemporary rendition. The respect for the genius of Johnny Alf is evident in the delicate rendition of the classic "Eu e a Brisa." The romantic segment is represented by "Agosto" (Max de Castro) and "Lua Clara" (written with Jairzinho Oliveira and Bernardo Vilhena). On his first album, Simoninha sings with pride the music of Brazil through the contemporary idiom, affirming himself in the forefront of pop music.