Customer Reviews

Vintage '74

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This was Sergio's second release for Bell Records after leaving his long-time label A&M. The first Bell album, "Love Music," was all American pop with very little Brasilian influence, other than Sergio's always outstanding rhythm section, and many long-time Mendes fans found it less than stellar for that very reason. "Vintage '74" finds Sergio reclaiming his Brasilian heritage with two "new" (for 1974) Jobim tunes, as well as a cover of "Voce Abusou," which had recently been a big hit in his native Brasil. But Sergio also points the way to his coming Elektra years with his new partnership with Stevie Wonder, whose "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing" and "If You Really Love Me" Sergio completely rethinks, and wonderfully so. Some find Sergio's "rethinking" of Stevie's "Superstition" less satisfactory, but I've always loved its over-the-top disco-fied arrangement, which hearkens back a little to "Crystal Illusions" from the classic Brasil '66 years.

For those who love the Brasil '66 years, this is probably the closest you're going to get from Sergio's early to mid-70s output, at least until the Elektra "Homecooking" release, also available on import CD.

Sergio Mendes and his group always made happy, passionate music. On each album they covered and interpreted the best North- and South American songwriters, introducing Mendes fans in both hemispheres to each others' top talents. Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing" and Jobim's "Waters Of March" are two of my favorite cuts on this one, but like all Mendes albums, there are no clinkers.

This album finds the the group exploring a slightly more modern sound. Synthesizers, a "rockier"-sounding electric guitar, and a denser mix give this one a different texture from their earlier work. But it's still utterly gorgeous! My heartfelt thanks to the BMG-Victor/Japan for reissuing this, and to Amazon for carrying it! I'm so glad to see this music being made available again!

(By the way - if you already have this album, another lost classic is "Stillness", from 1970. The song "Righteous Life" alone is worth the price of the album, and the band's version of Joni Mitchell's "Chelsea Morning" has to be heard to be believed. Get 'em while they're still in print!)

This is a rarity to behold which at last has made it's way to cd thanks to Japan's appreciation for great musical sounds. What gives this cd its special edge is the singing of Bonnie Bowden and Gracinha Leporace(Mendes'wife). Both have the opportunity to
show their considerable talents throughout. Highlights include a
wonderful version of Jobim's Waters Of March, and a sizzling cover of Stevie Wonder's Superstition. The portuguese selections are marvelous evocations of Brazilian celebration. Voce Abusou is especially wonderful in capturing the talents of Brazil '77. All told a welcome reissue.

Another great offering from Sergio Mendes. The band is really swinging on tunes like the upbeat "Funny You Should Say That" (fantastic guitar work and great horn arrangement). Stevie Wonder's "If You Really Love Me" (angelic harmonies from the two beauties - Bonnie and Gracinha. Plus wonderful flute, alto sax and string voicings) "This Masquerade" featuring Bonnie Bowden's soft, sexy voice, "Voce Abousou" (the whole gang). "Waiting For Love" is surprising beautiful. What a great album that I remember from the 70's; along with the albums "LOVE MUSIC" and "HOME COOKING." What a treasure that Brasil has given us in Sergios Mendes and all his bands, through the years.

A classic album for this bossa nova group. The enhanced digital audio does a fine job of presenting the original recordings

This album is one of the best they ever made and is consistently of a high quality - their Voce Abousou is fantastic and Waters of March. Brilliant album.

I own the original LP and wore it out in the seventies. For me it was the quintessential Sergio Mendes album. I tried to convert the tracks to mp3 files with all kinds of technical tricks and software only to find this remastered CD later. There's no comparison and this CD should be part of any Brasil 66 and 77 fan's collection. The good news: It's no longer a collector's item with a ridiculous price.

Masterpiece of artistic expression! A wonderful way to slide into the brazilian ambience for the newcomer.

This CD reveals the spirit and music of Sergio Mendes. It's fantastic and awesome!