Sérgio Mendes and Brasil ’66: selected recordings, 1966 to 1970

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Excerpts from A Brief Biography of Brasil ’66, at brasil66.com:

Arriving on A&M Records’ doorstep in 1966, Sérgio Mendes and Brasil ’66 were signed to a record deal by Herb Alpert, whose enthusiastic response enabled their immediate success. Blending Brazilian, jazz and American popular styles, Brasil ’66 became known for their unique, innovative sound. While Mendes was the lively pianist, arranger, producer and musical director, it was Chicago-bred vocalist Lani Hall who gave the group the finesse that ensured their success on the pop music charts. Lani is equally at home singing in English, Spanish and Portuguese…

The original Brasil ’66 lineup, as recorded on the first three A&M albums, consisted of Mendes on piano and keyboards, Lani Halland Janis Hansen on vocals, Jose Soares on Latin percussion, Bob Matthews on bass and Joao Palma on drums. Tijuana Brass guitarist John Pisano plays guitar starting with Equinox. Starting with Fool On The Hill, the Brasil ’66 lineup would include Mendes, Lani Hall and vocalist Karen Phillips, with a completely new rhythm section consisting of Sebastiao Neto, Dom Um Romao, Rubens Bassini and Oscar Castro Neves.

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The following recordings were all released as singles in the U.S. between 1966 and 1970, except for You Stepped Out of a Dream (from Crystal Illusions, 1969) and Ye-Me-Lê (title track, second 1969 album). However, Ye-Me-Lê was the B-side of the 1969 single Wichita Lineman, A&M 1132-S.

Mas Que Nada (Jorge Ben) – from the first Brasil ’66 album, Herb Alpert Presents, 1966

On a show called Something Special (TV), introduced by Eartha Kitt, 1967

Sérgio Mendes & Brasil ’66 discography

1966 – Herb Alpert Presents
1967 – Equinox
1968 – Look Around
1968 – Fool on the Hill
1969 – Crystal Illusions
1969 – Ye-Me-Lê
1971 – Stillness

note: These dates (from Wikipedia) are not reliable. The year of release for Look Around is given as 1967 in one place and 1968 in another. The last album, Stillness, is given with three different release years in different places: ’69, ’70 and ’71. I’ll try to correct any errors, soon.

Day Tripper (Lennon-McCartney) – from the album Herb Alpert Presents – 1966

Goin’ Out of My Head (Teddy Randazzo, Bobby Weinstein) – Herb Alpert Presents – 1966

The group appears on The Hollywood Palace, season 5, episode 13. Airing 12 December 1967, the episode is hosted by Herb Alpert. Musical performers include Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, Burt Bacharach, Wes Montgomery, Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart, Liza Minelli, and The Baja Marimba Band.