Brazil — LPs  

A very unique album by Sergio Mendes – recorded in LA in the years before his Brasil 66 albums for A&M – but with a sound that clearly shows him going for the new bossa approach! The album's got some lovely vocals by Wanda De Sah, plus occasional guitar work by Rosinha De Valenca – and backing is by Sergio's Trio, riffing away in a very tight jazzy groove that's right up there with the best of their early albums. Bud Shank also guests on a few tracks with some tasty alto sax solos – and titles include "Let Me", "Consolacao", "Tristeza Em Mim", "Muito A Vontade", "Reza", "Berimbau", and "Aquarius".

A lost bossa classic from Wanda De Sah – aka Wanda Sa, the wife of Edu Lobo, and a singer who worked with Sergio Mendes in his pre-Brasil 66 days! The album's got a wonderfully laidback feel – languid, yet jazzy, with the feel of some of Astrud Gilberto's best work on Verve, yet with vocals that are possibly better – thanks to Wanda's pedigree in Brazilian pop. Recordings were done in California, not Rio – and arrangements are handled by the great Jack Marshall – who's got a strong ear for keeping things interesting with a mix of strings, Latin rhythms, and Capitol pop shadings. Titles include "Aqua De Beber", "Ho Ba La La", "Sweet Happy Life", "The Dreamer", and a great version of "Aruanda".

One of the lovelier records cut by guitarist Laurindo Almeida during the 1950s – a spare set of duets with pianist Ray Turner – featuring original tunes and tracks by Brazilian composers, all performed in a lightly poetic style. The album's got lots of wonderful work on acoustic guitar from Almeida, very much in the pre-bossa mode that he's credited with as an influence on a later generation of Brazilian musicians. Titles include "Serenata", "Copacabana Sunset", "Gavota Choro", "Nosso Choro", and "Concertino For Guitar & Piano".

Sort of a repackaging of the Brasil '65 album on Capitol – done here in a pressing by Pickwick that features a very psychedelic cover! The record's a mixed bag of tracks that has some bossa piano trio stuff, plus some vocal cuts with Wanda De Sah, the alto and flute of Bud Shank, and the occasional guitar playing of Rosinha De Valenca. The album was recorded in LA by Capitol, and has a bright West Coast 60's feel that brings out the best of Sergio's style. Cuts include "Reza", "One Note Samba", "Berimbau", "So Nice", and "Consolacao".