MAIS UM DIA

SOM NOSSO DE CADA DIA is an Eclectic Prog band from Brazil who has been around, on and off, since 1972. The original line up consisted of multi-instrumentalist Manito, Pedrinho Batera (drums and vocals), and Pedro Baldanza (bass). They have been through several line up changes since then and 46 years later, have released their third full length album "Mais Um Dia" in August of 2019. Pedro Baldanza is the only original member remaining and on this album, continues to provide bass, but also contributes with vocals. Also included on this line up is Pedro Calasso on percussion and vocals, Marcello Schevano on guitars and vocals, Fernando Cardoso on keyboards, and Edson Ghilardi on drums. The album consists of 7 songs and has a total run time of just over 29 minutes.

"Homem Vibora" begins with a nice, hard rocking song with a lot of guitar and organ driving the music and a good, heavy bass. However, the music is quite straightforward with a few progressive traits thrown in to the standard meter. "Ficou no Ar" is more laid back but with a funky and jazzy undertone. Even though it's not credited, there is some brass added in there also. Not bad with a great latin jazz flavor, but its also very accessible. "Tempos Dificeis" is quite pop oriented and also includes a light funk sound and more brass. The music lends itself to the pop sound of Chicago in their later years, but with a Latin flair. It's very polished and corporate sounding. "Black Rio" continues with the funk-pop sound, adding an r&b vibe and looking for a sound similar to Earth, Wind and Fire".

"Mais um Dia" slows things down for a mellow tune with some Santana-like guitar impressions. The music here continues to emulate EW&F, but with a more ballad style. Halfway through the track, the rhythm picks up quite a bit adding in brazilian percussion styles and poppy brass, then a guitar plays a short solo then giving way to a call and answer session with the brass section before it all slows down again for when the vocals come back in. The interplay with the guitar and horns is a nice touch for this track. "Firmeza Total" continues with the jazz-funk-pop sound, remaining as accessible as always. It all ends with sound effects of phones ringing and a helicopter in the last track "Lixo per Capita". The sound is a little more solid and guitar driven like the beginning track, but with a moderate beat and some good guitar work, but still remaining radio friendly (at least for Brazilian radio). However, this track is probably the closest thing to being progressive, though it is quite lite.

So, the music isn't bad at all. The vocals are decent, the guitar work is pretty good, the production is slick and the use of brass in most of the tracks is a great sound. The music is way too commercial and poppy however to really be considered progressive at all. If you love the latin pop/jazz sound, you will enjoy this, as it has that retro feel that brings back the more pop style of Santana, Chicago and Earth Wind & Fire. But, keep in mind that it is also as accessible and as light on prog as the poppiest versions of those bands. It's good, but definitely non-essential.