Below are just a few thoughts about Sergio Mendes and a couple of records in my collection from his vast number of releases. He was a prolific musician and one of the key musical figures to introduce the globe to bossa nova and samba, but he also had a knack for producing delicious slices of pop perfection. I find his records easy to listen to repeatedly, and perhaps this post will inspire you to see if you feel the same way.
Sérgio Mendes Featuring Antonio Carlos Jobim – The Swinger From Rio (Atlantic – SD 1434, 1965/1966 reissue)
Labeling something as “Brazilian” music can oversimplify the rich and varied musical landscape of Brazil, which boasts a spectrum of styles and subtle differences. While the bossa nova rhythm is often felt as the heartbeat of Brazilian music, even within this genre, there are countless variations. Sergio Mendes, in particular, infused bossa nova with an extra dose of energy. His music isn’t a wild ride, but more like someone you’ve just met cruising 8 mph over the speed limit on a quiet country road—just enough to keep things…interesting. Mendes added a sense of forward momentum to bossa nova, and we’re all the better for it.
The Swinger From Rio is a masterstroke. Mendes even seems to spur on Jobim’s guitar. While Art Farmer’s flugelhorn is superb, it’s Phil Woods’ saxophone that deftly captures Mendes’ push to make the music edgier and more daring. Rest in peace, Sergio Mendes.
Sérgio Mendes & Brasil ‘66 – Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes & Brasil ‘66 = 豪華盤 セルジオ・メンデスとブラジル’66 (A&M Records – AML 15, 1966/1968 reissue )
Mendes goes platinum! Sure, I’ve got American copies of this album in both stereo and mono, but it’s the Japanese edition that truly stands out for me. It’s incredibly quiet, with bonus libretto and photos—though, unfortunately, it was missing its OBI when I found it. If anyone happens to have an extra OBI lying around the house, I’d love to buy it from you.
This album perfectly illustrates the idea that true success comes from collaborating with other exceptionally talented people. Mendes and his team brought together an outstanding group, and Herb Alpert’s guiding hand certainly didn’t hurt. Mendes had already made waves (on the beach in Ipanema?) in the samba world before this record, but this is where he truly became a part of American pop culture. I could listen to these records on repeat forever and ever.
Sergio Mendes – Sergio Mendes (A&M Records – SP-4937, 1983 )
While Sergio Mendes may not have reached the soaring heights in the 1970s and ’80s as he did in the ’60s, he still produced some massive hits during that time. This 1983 album leans more toward a commercial pop sound, but it offers something for everyone. His knack for selecting talented musicians and singers makes these projects easy to listen to. And, of course, the standout track, “Never Gonna Let You Go,” is a pop superhit forever etched in the minds of those in my generation.
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