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14 BIS

Prog Related • Brazil


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14 Bis biography
14 Bis is a Brazilian prog-related band. The band took their name from Santos-Dumont's 14 Bis airplane that flew in 1906.

The band was formed in late 70s in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, when members of two bands, the symphonic O TERÇO and the folk Bendegó decided to merge. Flávio Venturini and Vermelho, two founding members of 14 Bis, were also members of the Clube da Esquina musical movement.

The musical genre of 14 Bis is quite varied. The band always mentioned The Beatles and Brazilian singer Milton Nascimento as their major influences. Nevertheless, Brazilian Folk and Popular Music (MPB) is a strong element in many of 14 Bis compositions. The influence of progressive rock such as Emerson Lake & Palmer, Yes and Italian acts, like PFM and Le Orme, are also quite evident in many of their compositions, such as in their use of analog keyboards and complex vocal arrangements.

The band (still active in 2008) reached the peak of their success during the 80s with notable compositions and performance of popular Brazilian songs. Due to the mild, often happy and soothing theme of many of its compositions, the band was quite popular among children.

Presently, members of 14 Bis and O TERÇO interact continuously in gigs and recordings.


See also:

- O Terço

14 BIS Videos (YouTube and more)


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14 BIS discography


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14 BIS top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

4.08 | 26 ratings
14 Bis
1979
3.20 | 17 ratings
II
1980
3.16 | 11 ratings
Espelho Das Águas
1981
3.21 | 9 ratings
Além Paraíso
1982
2.50 | 9 ratings
A Idade Da Luz
1983
3.13 | 5 ratings
A Nave Vai
1985
2.80 | 5 ratings
Sete
1987
3.00 | 5 ratings
Quatro Por Quatro
1992
2.60 | 5 ratings
Siga O Sol
1996
2.50 | 6 ratings
Outros Planos
2004

14 BIS Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.67 | 3 ratings
Ao Vivo
1988
1.35 | 4 ratings
Ao Vivo
2007

14 BIS Videos (DVD, Blu-ray, VHS etc)

4.00 | 3 ratings
Ao Vivo
2007

14 BIS Boxset & Compilations (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.05 | 2 ratings
Meus Momentos
1994
4.00 | 2 ratings
Bis
1999
5.00 | 1 ratings
Sempre
2008

14 BIS Official Singles, EPs, Fan Club & Promo (CD, EP/LP, MC, Digital Media Download)

14 BIS Reviews


Showing last 10 reviews only
 14 Bis by 14 BIS album cover Studio Album, 1979
4.08 | 26 ratings

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14 Bis
14 Bis Prog Related

Review by voliveira

5 stars 10/10

One of the most sublime musical experiences I've ever had in my life.

But what a shame. I actually feel embarrassed for not giving a chance to the 14 Bis before. It certainly was not for lack of knowledge: in addition to being one of the most renowned rock bands in Brazil has always been a favorite of my dad, so it's not as if I had never heard of them. Still, what was my surprise when I saw them here on the site.

First of all let me tell you a little bit of rock coming from the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. In my humble opinion this is the state that produces the best crop of rock my country, countless classic bands that have their mark on the music scene here for years and years. Specifically the 70s and 80s were extremely productive for the Brazilian rock, serving as the pinnacle of the genre in the country. Other states that have renowned bands are The Federal District (Brasilia), Rio Grande do Sul and São Paulo. However Minas seems the most "progressive", since there has always been enough use of regional elements (Brazilian Popular Music) fused with rock rural and foreign influences.

And even though I never really connected with the rock to come from my hometown (since prog was never really explored here), I am surprised at how much I fell in love with 14 Bis. Sure, it's not just progressive rock that is running here: there is a range of influences that give this album a legitimate Brazilian flavor, combined with the best of the greats of rock Sixties / Seventies. The most obvious influence here are the Beatles, not only because of the wonderful opening track Perdido em Abbey Road, but also because the songs are not very long (all around 2-4 minutes), but have a very diverse structure with use of symphonic, progressive and regional elements, in no time sounding preachy or "tight".

The aforementioned Perdido em Abbey Road opens the album, a great welcome note and a personal favorite of mine with lyrics doing homage to the boys of Liverpool, an intense use of electric guitar (an instrument abhorred by Brazilian musicians at the time, as pointed out by the my colleague CCVP) coupled with symphonic feeling provided by the trumpets. Here is the most beautiful song of the disc: Canção da América. Originally composed by reputed artist Milton Nascimento (whose project "Clube da Esquina" could very well be included here on the site - just a suggestion, ok?), The song deals with the friendship of a poetic and beautiful, being entirely acoustic and accompanied by the organ while members make delicious vocal harmonies. Incidentally, this is one of the great strengths of the album, and I really tear praise for the band to make use of these as beautiful harmonies in the songs!

For the review does not extend too far I will not heed the other songs individually. Although there really are other highlights, such as Canção de Faroeste (influences westerns in vogue combined with the organ that overlaps throughout the album and more vocal harmonies, with the right to the music saloon!), O Vento, a Chuva, o teu Olhar and instrumental Blue. But all are great! This is a prog masterpiece, which I recommend to everyone. Even if you know nothing of Portuguese listen to this album and watch the wonderful melodies that Flavio Venturini and his companions do. I'm really in love with this band, and I'm glad to know that it is not too late to enjoy the rock of my own country, progressive or not.

5 well-deserved stars!

 14 Bis by 14 BIS album cover Studio Album, 1979
4.08 | 26 ratings

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14 Bis
14 Bis Prog Related

Review by CCVP
Prog Reviewer

4 stars What if Supertramp and Peter Gabriel had a band?

With the end of the 1970's, progressive rock music has reached a stalemate at the world stage and in the biggest country of South America it wasn't much different. Flávio Venturini, aware of that, started to focus on projects other than O Terço's symphonic prowess. That eventually led to his departure from O Terço, together with bassis Sérgio Magrão, in order to found 14 Bis with his brother and past members of a band called Bendegó.

The result of such meeting was tremendous: every side of the band (in a manner speaking) and every musician had different backgrounds, ranging from rock'n'roll / blues and hard rock to folk music and MPB, what made 14 Bis a really interesting amalgamation of genres and styles. However, the band was mostly interested in making quality music that wasn't too complicated. As Flávio have put it, they were aiming at the Beatles as a point of refference to what the band was supposed to sound: light hearted, simple without being simple-minded (not overly elaborated), clean and original. The Beatles influence, however, can be heard through most of the album in one way or another.

After listening to te band's debut album, I can mostly say that such description given by Flávio Venturini is absolutelly truthful. The music is definitely progressive rock, due to the originality it is presented, the variety of genres of music merged together and the presence of the rock element, but it lacks the so-called snobbish atitude of progressive rock, presenting us a down to earth musical approach and musical development. Due to that, it wouldn't be wrong to call 14 Bis a progressive pop band, at least in their firsts albums, which seems to be something of an evolution or a natural continuation of Flávio's work at O Terço, going a step farther from the fancy symphonic rock his last band did. The best foreign equivalent which I could make a comparisson between them would be Supertramp and Peter Gabriel, with the last one having some specially peculiar similarities on the regard of stylistic change after leaving a symphonic rock band.

The band manage to retain some of the best qualities from each band every band member was from. It has a noticeable folk music (Brazillian folk music, that is) side to it, what is reflected at the instrumental work, vocal work (partially inherited from O Terço) or lirically throughout the album. The rock element is also very much present, be it either through the electric guitars (considered by some respectable musicians in Brazil, up untill the mid 1970's, to be an abomination!) or the organs and synthesizer.

Grade and Final Thoughts

14 Bis' debut is a very good album all around. The production is great, concerning the technical limitations we had in the country had at that time, the vocals and the instruments are played and sung great and most songs feel like the band gave just the right amount of time for them to develop and grow.

If you like prog pop and would like to listen to some with a Brazillian flavour to it, this album is a great place be.

 Espelho Das Águas by 14 BIS album cover Studio Album, 1981
3.16 | 11 ratings

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Espelho Das Águas
14 Bis Prog Related

Review by kenethlevine
Special Collaborator Prog-Folk Team

2 stars Survival without profound compromise was almost the best that former full fledged progressive artists could hope for by the early 80s. By those standards 14 BIS did remarkably well with their sophisticated pop that delivered as advertised. For their third album, the arresting melodies are all but purged, but the song structures, innocent gentility, and period instrumentation all continue to impress in their intricacies within a very radio friendly framework. They pretty much gave up on the outright progressive front, which was probably for the best given how their sophomore effort revealed how limpid those excursions had become - the heart was not in it so why pretend otherwise? These were new times and the group adapted in a hugely successful manner at least from a commercial perspective.

The only real standouts are both more folk based, the gentle "A Qualquer Tempo" which oddly reminds me of a latin AMAZING BLONDEL, and the cheery bluegrass quality of "Mesmo De Brincadeira". "Nos Bailes Da Vida" approaches these high quality levels thanks to a supremely harmonious wordless chorus. Not much is really lame here, with the exception of the dreadfully ersatz rocker "Lua De Algodo", but not much stands out either, mostly because it doesn't try to. "Danca Do Tempo", "Ciranda" and "No Meio Da Cidade" all pass by without offending or appealing.

The neutrality of many of these tracks ultimately weakens the overall impact. I can still tell it is 14 BIS, and the group has merged with the times after a shakier second album, but, when I hold a mirror up to "Espelho Das Aguas", I find a watered down version of the best this group can offer. Stick with their debut or a well selected Best of compilation. 2.5 stars rounded down.

 Ao Vivo by 14 BIS album cover Live, 2007
1.35 | 4 ratings

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Ao Vivo
14 Bis Prog Related

Review by CCVP
Prog Reviewer

1 stars An hour display of bad pop music

I have known 14 bis for quite a wile, at least their earliest studio albums, and although there is absolutely no denying that the band always had that popish feeling in their songs, I would have never imagined that the passage of time would have such a strong negative effect on their music. They went from an inteligent and interesting popish prog band in the late 70's and early 80's to some of the cheesiest, most generic and unispired pop group I have ever the displeasure of listening.

Mind you, the music they play have changed so much that even the classics from their best albums have lost their magic of days past and now hold the distinct characteristics of plain bad music. Once rooted firmly as a rock group, now 14 Bis have transmuted into a MPB (the acronym for Brazilian popular music) group, what, by itself isn't a bad thing at all, but they became one of the worst stocks of MPB ever available for purchase. Once a band comparable to icons of Brazilian progressive rock, now 14 Bis is hardly any better than any of those artists or groups you hate to listen, wherever you live.

The explanation for that less than mediocre performance is possibly rooted on three things. First, and by far the most important, the poor choice of songs for a setlist. Starting right from the opening song, the poor setlist plagues the band's performance like the Black Death plagued Europe. The poor lyrics also takes it toll and, even if the song is listenable by the music itself, the lyrics ruin the experience either by being plain bad or by being placed in a strange or bad way. An example of the latter is the second song of this album, entitled Canções de Guerra.

Second, even if the song is actually good, the way the band chooses to play it destroy its original environment. That happens, for example, in the third song of this album, entitled Bola de Meia, Bola de Gude, originally appearing in 14 Bis's second album, 14 Bis II.

Third and finally, when the band actually plays a good song, for a change, that particular song makes the bad ones sound so much worse that it becomes nearly impossible to listen to the rest of the album (or at least to the next song).

Despite all its downs, I will not be as bold as to say that this album is completely useless. There are at least three songs in the entire album that are worth listening, being them the fourth (Caçador de Mim), the sixth song (Canção da América) and the eleventh song (Planeta Sonho). However, they hardly make up for the other 11 songs that are in this live album. Not even the participations of Brazilian progressive rock legend Marcus Viana and ex -member of the band Flavio Venturini (who was also a member of O Terço in the mid 70's) are able to push up the quality of this release.

My only consolation is that I didn't spent much money buying this. Avoid at all costs.

 II by 14 BIS album cover Studio Album, 1980
3.20 | 17 ratings

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II
14 Bis Prog Related

Review by kenethlevine
Special Collaborator Prog-Folk Team

2 stars For the first half of this followup to 14 BIS' debut, the group matches toe for toe the dance of that earlier disk, but the momentum fades just after the halfway mark. By far the best thing here is "Planeta Sonho", from elegant organ theme to gentle harmonizing to trademark crescendo, it has it all as far as 14 BIS is concerned. The other master stroke is the MILTON NASCIMENTO aided "Bola De Meia, Bola De Gude", in which his guitar lays down the rhythm for a deceptively simple yet delightful piece in which synths (I assume) are used like whistles.

What should have been the 3rd highlight is the lengthiest track, the instrumental named after the band, but, notwithstanding an excellent main melody and acoustic guitar flourishes, it exposes the group's loss of touch with the progressive scene by now. The heavier central part is more clumsy than hard hitting, and doesn't really establish a trademark climax.

As both the album and the inspiration wane, the group resorts to a harder rock sound for the first time, and reaches a nadir with "Esquinas De Tantas Ruas". While on the debut the group could be relied upon to rescue the most syrupy ballad, here there is no salvation, simply subpar rock, nothing more. The closer is better handled and includes imaginative percussion and orchestral outro for a more progressive feel, but seems disjointed like a quilt compiled by members of a feuding family.

I hesitate to submit a lower rating here since in some sense this sophomore release is the more progressive of the first 2, but it also confirms that 14 BIS is and should be a sophisticated pop band. 2.5 stars rounded down.

 14 Bis by 14 BIS album cover Studio Album, 1979
4.08 | 26 ratings

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14 Bis
14 Bis Prog Related

Review by kenethlevine
Special Collaborator Prog-Folk Team

3 stars 14 Bis was quite a big name in Brazil, beginning with this, their very first release. Its maturity may relate to the already veteran status of some of the members, who had played for seminal progressive bands prior to forming 14 Bis. While this is essentially a pop album, it is extraordinarily well crafted, with attention to detail not normally found on the charts, and a willingness to take small p progressive detours, especially in the last half minute or so of many cuts, like sneaking a cookie just before the kitchen closes.

Just so there could be no doubt of one of their prime influences, the album opens with "Perdido En Abbey Road", which is like a Portuguese "Back in the USSR". After this inauspicious start, they get down to business, and "Canto de America" establishes their mastery of sweet balladry that might partially explain their success across the demographic spectrum. Most of the material here is as good or better, and apart from high pitched vocal harmonies, includes versatile organ work, much fine acoustic guitar, and even harmonica here and there. "Cinema de Faroeste" is particularly compelling with its furiously strummed Latin guitar work, succinct organ and clever time changes. Likewise "Natural" ably proclaims a passion for country and western music while not forsaking the trademark vocal blends. The two closing numbers are equally impressive, the first an organ rich ballad and the second an accordion led lullabye.

Like the group namesake, this album references a rating address somewhere between 2 whole numbers. Although I really enjoy most of it, I feel that an understanding of the lyrics might help elevate it to premium status, but without forthcoming Portuguese lessons, I have to settle for 3 stars.

 A Nave Vai by 14 BIS album cover Studio Album, 1985
3.13 | 5 ratings

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A Nave Vai
14 Bis Prog Related

Review by Tarcisio Moura
Prog Reviewer

3 stars Well, this is surely better than their two previous CDs. 14 Bis finally gave up trying to be what they were not (a pop/new wave group) and decided to record some strong material, mostly written by leader and a star on his own Flávio Venturini (unfortuanlty he soon would be leaving to concentrate on his solo career). Of course things would never be the same and this is not a return to roots in any way. In fact they just dropped much of their acoustic sound for a more keyboards oriented music. Which was not bad.

The production was good, but a bit too clean for my taste (remeber, those were the 80´s!). Outras Dimensões, Mel Do Amor, Nuvens, Falso Blasé are excellent Venturini penned songs that are easy to like. Ok, nothing is groundbreaking or even too remarkable, but still it is good. If you´re a fan, then go for it. If you´re new to the band my advice is to follow their discography in chronological order. Good, but again, not really essential. 3 stars.

 A Idade Da Luz by 14 BIS album cover Studio Album, 1983
2.50 | 9 ratings

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A Idade Da Luz
14 Bis Prog Related

Review by Tarcisio Moura
Prog Reviewer

2 stars Oh, my god... when everybody was expecting a return to roots after the rather lackluster Além Paraíso, they release this dud! I still remember how disappointd I was when I bought this record. The cover was beautiful and the band had done at least very good LPs until then. that´s why I bought it without hearing it beforehand. And all I have to tell is that I sold it as soon as I found anyone who was willing to have it.

Not that A Idade Da Luz was a total crap. In fact it did contain the group´s last big hit (the beautiful ballad Todo Azul Do mar) and I liked very much Nave De Prata, which reminds me of the ´good old days´. Unfortunalty those were the only memorable moments in the whole record. Some tunes like Ilha do Mel and Adoráveis Criaturas even pedal on the old mold of 14 Bis, but were clearly uninspired and lacking any passion. But most tracks are just in new wave pop style of bands like The Police and Duran Duran, totally unsuited for the kind of music they created, and were loved for.

I don´t have much more to say. A Idade Da Luz was a mistake, nothing more than that. A (failed) attempt to cash in the new wave pop of the moment. Two good songs and that´s all.

Final rating: Two stars, and just barely.

 Além Paraíso by 14 BIS album cover Studio Album, 1982
3.21 | 9 ratings

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Além Paraíso
14 Bis Prog Related

Review by Tarcisio Moura
Prog Reviewer

3 stars Além Paraíso marked the beginning of the decline for the band 14 Bis. After 3 excellent albums it seemed the group started to think more towards selling records than to keep delivering their very own sound. Critics always put them down because of their obvious 70´s influences and although very popular and successful, 14 Bis never sold great amounts of their LPs. So there might have been quite some pressure from their recording company to ´hit it big´among younger generations (remember, in the early 80´s nothing was less fashionable than to sound like anything from the 70´s).

Still, their slide was a slow one and Além Parasíso did contain some gems, like their hit Linda Juventude (their homage to one of Brazil´s biggest artists, Milton Nascimento, who was also one of their biggest supporters early on), Uma Velha Canção rock´n Roll (an anthem to friendship) and the plaintive Bem Querer (one of Hely´s, the band´s drummer, first songwriting effords). But it also included Pele de Verão and Não Tá Com Essa Bola. while the former is not really bad (aside form the lame lyrics), the latter was a hideous attempt to cash in the new romantic wave of likes of Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet and Visage. Really embarassing affair. Fortunatly the remaining tracks were not as bad, but they were also not that great either.

Rating this album is a bit hard, since it does inlcude some good stuff among other more mediocre ones. But I think in the end Além Paraíso has enough good moments to warrant it 3 stars. Good, but not essential.

 Espelho Das Águas by 14 BIS album cover Studio Album, 1981
3.16 | 11 ratings

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Espelho Das Águas
14 Bis Prog Related

Review by Tarcisio Moura
Prog Reviewer

4 stars Released by the end of 1981, it was one of the most played LPs in the following months at home. I must have driven my parents nuts! It was my favorite 14 Bis CD after their stunning debut. And still is. I was always amazed by their vocal harmonies (something quite unsual for brazilian bands, prog or otherwise). They were now using new synth technologies and they did a fine job without changing their style (that would happend latter, but that´s another story). So most of the songs are short, concise and harmonic. If you´re looking for long solos, 10 minutes suites and explicit virtuosity, look somewhere else. But if you like great prog influenced 5 minute ditties, welcome! Their influences of rock, brazilian popular music, prog, folk, jazz and classical are very well mixed together for some good effect.

I really liked their tasteful arrangements and especially Flávio Venturini´s very personal songwriting style. However, it was not dificult to see some changes were on the way. I guess their recording company was pressuring for some more commercial stuff. but for now it was not very apparently. Songs like Queima Baby, their folk tinged hit Mesmo De Brincadeira, the rocking Lua de Algodão and the acoustic A Qualquer Tempo are among their best. Even if some fillers were starting to appear here and there, none is crap. this is one of their most happy and energetic CDs - and, in my opinion, the last one to be really essential.

Espelho das Águas was maybe their last totally convincing work. It has some naiveté that made their songs work so well, full of passion and energy. Strange how this feeling stood so well the test of time. As any fine rock work did. Four stars.

Thanks to ProgLucky; Atkingani for the artist addition. and to CCVP for the last updates

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