Gilberto Gil - Ensaio Geral [13 CD Box Set] (1998)

This box set includes all of Gilberto Gil's solo albums that are part of the PolyGram catalogue, as well as four new releases (five, counting the bonus CD, or even seven, since two of the CDs are double albums). The new material was researched over a period of three years, based on an initial screening of several shows that PolyGram recorded between 1972 and 1977. Each of the original tapes from Gilberto Gil's recording sessions at PolyGram between 1966 and 1976 were carefully scrutinized - some on four channels (1966 - 1972) and some on eight (1973 - 1976). The monitor mixes gave Gilberto Gil and PolyGram an idea of what and just how much unreleased material was on file; each detail in the design of this box set sums up perfectly the painstaking exercise of listening and analysis that went into this effort. Every effort was made to fully recover the tapes and preserve the spirit of the times. The guiding principle during the mixing and remastering was to preserve the original; accordingly, any imperfections should be viewed in the appropriate historical light and for the value that they hold.