Herb Alpert presents Sergio Mendes & Brazil 66
Sérgio Mendes & Brasil 66
1966
Why This Album Matters
Herb Alpert presents Sergio Mendes & Brazil 66 marks the debut of Brazilian pianist and arranger Sérgio Mendes with his group Brazil 66, conceived by him in the United States and composed of Brazilian and North American musical talents. This album was a turning point for Mendes, who sought an ideal fusion between Brazilian bossa nova and American pop, achieving unprecedented visibility in the music scene. With this work, Sérgio Mendes unveiled an elegant and captivating formula for presenting his distinct music and arrangements. The album stands out for the collaboration of two North American vocalists, singing in Portuguese and English, allied with a rhythmic section of bossa nova musicians, resulting in contagious and carefully selected compositions of Brazilian, English, and American hits of the era, all re-imagined with an innovative sound.
Context
Before establishing his partnership with A&M Records, Sérgio Mendes had already traversed labels such as Philips, Atlantic, and Capitol with previous groups, notably Brazil 65, which featured only Brazilian musicians. During that period, he explored jazz and persisted in seeking a blend that would harmonise Brazilian bossa nova with North American pop, albeit without achieving significant prominence. The contract with A&M Records, then a nascent label belonging to his friend and trumpeter Herb Alpert, was the decisive step that would culminate in his first major success in the United States.
Songs
The album's main highlight is the re-recording of Jorge Ben's "Mas Que Nada", presented with a new swinging arrangement and the distinctive voice of Lani Hall, the lead vocalist, which soars over the rich rhythmic section. Another notable success is The Beatles' "Day Tripper", which gains a bossa nova treatment, showcasing the unique rhythm and swing of Mendes and Brazil 66. The repertoire also includes celebrated compositions such as Tom Jobim's "One Note Samba" and "Água de Beber", Baden Powell and Vinícius de Moraes' "Berimbau", and "O Pato", demonstrating the careful selection of Brazilian, English, and American songs that received an innovative and captivating treatment.
Legacy
Herb Alpert presents Sergio Mendes & Brazil 66 reached position #7 on the American pop charts, an achievement that culminated in earning a Gold Record. This commercial and critical success was fundamental for Sérgio Mendes, paving the way for a lasting and prosperous musical career in the United States.
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Herb Alpert presents Sergio Mendes & Brazil 66 – Wikipedia
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Sérgio Mendes & Brasil 66 "Herb Albert Presents Sérgio Mendes & Brasil ...
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O músico brasileiro, que nos deixou há poucos dias, com 83 anos, teve primeiro episódio de grande exposição internacional com o disco que editou em 1966 com um grupo que então montou em Los Angeles, onde vivia desde 1964.