Customer Reviews

In Person at El Matador / Pele / Sergio Mende's

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This 3-LP compilation is a must-have for fans of Mendes, as well as those who love music with a Latin flair. Disc One consists of, as the title suggests, a live performance at San Francisco's El Matador club and the soundtrack to a film about fellow Brazilian the legendary soccer great Pele. Both exhibit Mendes masterful piano playing and superb vocals from the members of Brasil '65, '66, '67, respectively. These long out-of-print releases are a welcome addition to any music-lovers' collection.

But, it is disc two, "Sergio Mendes' Favorite Things" that is the real find. Featuring Mendes's trademark arrangements, the disc soars, as it is an instrumental journey into the sultry music that typified the decade. Highlights are "My Favorite Things, " "I Say a Little Prayer," the Dionne Warwick hit, "Comin' Home Baby," and "Boa Palavra (The Good Word)."

Should Mike Myers decide to have his alter-ego "Austin Powers" take another trip back to groovy days of the late 60's, this will be the perfect music with which he can travel.

Except for Sergio's presence, these three albums have little in common. Most enjoyable for me is the live performance by Brasil '65, which is just plain, honest music. The Pele soundtrack is, well, a soundtrack and full of Hollywood mush. By the time we get to "My Favorite Things," Sergio's spare piano is lost in a soup of arrangement styles that were popular in the '60s. Listen to it as a '60s setpiece. Once in awhile Sergio comes up for air and it's bliss, but this has not aged well and wasn't worth much when it was new 35 years ago, IMHO. Buy "Beat of Brazil" and "Swinger from Rio" to hear the real Sergio.

I have to totally disagree with the previous reviewer; this 3CD compilation is an absolute knock out for those who really know.
1) First of all, these three CDs separately have been Out Of Print for ages and are almost impossible to get; but here you have them at a fantastic affordable price.
2) Second, for those who really know Sergio Mendes' work and have a collection of his, this compilation is a true treasure; and...
3)Third, Sergio's Music around that time was already in high demand, and here you have collaborations with people like Wanda Sah, Oscar Castro-Neves, Gerry Mulligan, Laudir de Oliveira, Dave Grusin, Tom Scott, John Pisano, Joao Donato, Moacir Santos, Dom Um Romao and Pele among many more.
Only for educated ears and educated and serious collectors, period.

These tunes take you to a different time and place yet still feel contemporary. If you are interested in the sounds of Brazil, Sergio Mendes definitely provides plenty of material. So sit down or stand with the beautiful people, make some caparinias, enjoy the conversation, and let Sergio Mendes take you away.

Oh yes, have someone else start the barbeque!

This album is junk. One or two good tunes, the rest junk. Save your money!