Thursday, June 12, 2014

NEW RELEASES: SERGIO MENDES & BRASIL '66 - EQUINOX; IVAN LINS - NOVO TEMPO; JOAO DONATO - LUGAR COMUM

SERGIO MENDES & BRASIL '66 - EQUINOX

The second album by Sergio and crew – and a real push forward for the group! The basic format of two-female harmony leads is still in place – but for some reason, this album gives a bit more of a nod to Brazilian roots than before, and really spices things up with an even more interesting array of songs! There's a bit less of the pop/cover style than before, and a bit more of a nod towards the hipper side of Brazilian music – especially the modernists of the bossa nova generation. Brazilian tunes include versions of "Constant Rain", "Cinnamon & Clove", "Bim Bom", and "Wave" – and there's also a few nice English numbers, like their hit version of "Night & Day", and a great reading of "Watch What Happens"! ~ Dusty Groove

IVAN LINS - NOVO TEMPO

A beautiful album by Ivan Lins – truly one of his greatest records, and a real gem that stands out as one of the best in his already-excellent catalog! The set has Ivan stepping out strongly from his sound of the 70s – working with Gilson Peranzzetta in a set of arrangements that have touches of jazz and a deeply expressive soul that matches Lins' growing vocal confidence wonderfully. Lins' voice is in top form, and the material is extremely strong (in fact, most of the songs are so good, and so catchy, that we've hardly noticed that they weren't in English!) Titles include "Vira", "Arlequim Desconhecido", "Barco Fantasma", "Novo Tempo", and "Coracao Vagabundo". ~ Dusty Groove 

JOAO DONATO - LUGAR COMUM

A sweet electric 70s session from the mighty Joao Donato – very different than his earlier bossa work of the 60s – and with the same funky appeal as the best work on his classic Quem E Quem album! This set's got a tighter feel overall – very much in a samba soul style, with lots of great Brazilian bits mixed up with funk and jazz touches – including a range of great keyboards handled by Donato himself! Drums are by the mighty Wilson Das Neves – who brings in some breaks at a few points – and the whole thing's supremely soulful too – with titles that include the funky classic "Bananeira", plus "Patumbalacunde", "Lugar Comum", "Tudo Tem", and "Naturalmente".  ~ Dusty Groove


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