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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