Fool On The Hill
Sérgio Mendes & Brasil '66
1968
Rankings
Why This Album Matters
Fool On The Hill, released in 1968 by Sérgio Mendes & Brasil '66, represents a pinnacle in the fusion of sophisticated Brazilian music and accessible global pop. The album stands out for Sérgio Mendes's ability to reinterpret pop and rock hits with a distinctive bossa nova treatment, characterised by exuberant string arrangements, the rhythmic swing of bossa nova, and the delicacy of his piano playing. It is a work that solidified the group's sound identity, featuring captivating vocal harmonies and rich instrumentation that transcended musical boundaries. This record is a testament to Mendes's artistic vision, as he successfully united the melodic elegance of Western compositions with the rhythmic vitality and lyrical depth of Brazilian talents. The result is a sound that evokes the warmth of Brazil, yet with universal appeal, characterised by its lightness and sophistication. The album is an example of Mendes's ability to create a unique sonic atmosphere, which became synonymous with a style that captivated listeners worldwide.
Context
The release of Fool On The Hill marked the debut of the second Brasil '66 line-up, with Sérgio Mendes reorganising most of the original members, retaining only vocalist Lani Hall. Gracinha Leporace, who would later be part of Brasil '77, also made her first appearance on this album. The group had already achieved significant prominence on the international music scene, largely driven by previous hits such as "Mas Que Nada" and their acclaimed performance of "The Look of Love" at the 1968 Oscar ceremony. During this period, Sérgio Mendes was already recognised for his sagacity in selecting both first-rate Brazilian compositions and popular foreign songs, arranging them in an innovative manner. His artistic journey demonstrated a remarkable ability to translate and reinvigorate Brazilian music, presenting it to a global audience constantly seeking new sounds.
Recording
Fool On The Hill was recorded in 1968 at A&M Studios, located in Hollywood, California. Production and arrangements were conducted by Sérgio Mendes himself, who imprinted his signature on the album's sound. The orchestral arrangements were skilfully elaborated and conducted by Dave Grusin, contributing to the rich and sumptuous atmosphere of the record. The sound engineering team included renowned names such as Henry Lewy, Herb Alpert (co-founder of A&M Records), and Larry Levine, ensuring the technical quality of the recording which blended pop vocals with Brazilian rhythms.
Songs
The album features a notable selection of songs, combining interpretations of international hits with Brazilian musical gems. Highlights include reinterpretations of The Beatles' "The Fool on the Hill" and Simon & Garfunkel's "Scarborough Fair". Sérgio Mendes's version of "The Fool on the Hill" is characterised by blending a gentle bossa nova rhythm with string arrangements and Lani Hall's vocals, an interpretation that Paul McCartney later praised. "Scarborough Fair" is built upon an engaging rhythmic foundation, featuring an instrumental interlude that allows Mendes to explore his electric piano. The album also celebrates Brazilian composers, with four songs by Edu Lobo, including the dramatic "Casa Forte" and the contagious "Upa, Neguinho". Other notable Brazilian tracks are "Festa" and "Lapinha". Lani Hall's and Karen Philipp's vocals are prominent throughout the record, with Gracinha Leporace contributing to the vocals on "Lapinha".
Legacy
Fool On The Hill achieved significant commercial success, solidifying its place as Brasil '66's third album to feature in the top ten bestsellers in just two years and the fourth to receive gold album certification. In the United States, the album reached number three on the main pop album chart and topped Billboard's jazz LPs chart. The album's singles also achieved great success, with the title track "The Fool on the Hill" reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Easy Listening chart. "Scarborough Fair" also performed well, reaching number 16. Sérgio Mendes's interpretation of "The Fool on the Hill" was so significant that Paul McCartney himself sent a letter expressing his admiration for the version.
Tracks
Credits
Dave Grusin
Sérgio Mendes
John Pisano
Henry Lewy, Herb Alpert, Larry Levine
Tom Wilkes
Guy Webster
Bob Gordon
Videos
FOOL ON THE HILL - Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66
hardbossa
The Beatles Songs Reviewed: The Fool On The Hill
Canadian Studmuffin
Analyses
Fool On The Hill – Wikipedia
Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia
Fool on the Hill foi o quarto álbum lançado por Sergio Mendes & Brazil 66 e o trabalho que representou o ápice do sucesso de músico e arranjador brasileiro e seu grupo nos Estados Unidos, que havia se tornado popular no país desde dois anos antes, com o lançamento do álbum de estréia Herb Alpert presents Sergio Mendes & Brazil 66, com o grande sucesso mundial da versão de Mas Que Nada, de Jorge Ben. Misturando o pop inglês e norte-americano de Lennon & McCartney e Simon & Garfunkel com músicas d
Sergio Mendes and Brasil ’66 – Fool on the Hill
ontherecord.co
More of the Music of Sergio Mendes Boasting two excellent Double Plus (A++) sides, this vintage copy is guaranteed to blow the doors off any other Fool on the Hill you've heard - fairly quiet vinyl...
On Second Thought: Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66 - Fool On The Hill (1968) - Something Else!
somethingelsereviews.com
Like a Wayback Machine, certain sights, sounds, smells and tastes transports us to certain times and places in our lives. Listening to Sergio Mendes and Brasil ’66 from their hitmaking days from fo...
- Antiguidades CASA DO VELHO
casadovelho.com.br
LP Sérgio Mendes & Brasil '66, 1969, Fool On The Hill Original from 1969 /Label AM ITEM RATING: Sleeve Gatefold EX /Disc EX Dedication by previous owner in pen...
