Best of Sergio Mendes and Brasil '65

Such smooth groovin' sounds. Reminds me - great memories of my brothers and me, rainy Saturday in L.A. Couldn't go to the beach so we brought out all our art supplies and just painted and laughed and listened...beautiful.

This release gives you a great big gulp of the depth of Sergio's talent as a producer and arranger. This is a STUDIO masterpiece; the Live At El Matador! release on Atlantic confirms what any Mendes fan already knows--this man is a genius. I would also recommend Cannonball's Bossa Nova on Landmark to complete the trifecta. The addition of Rosinha De Valenca and Wanda de Sah hint at the greatness that was to come with Brasil `66, `'77, etc. Every subsequent release from Mendes has provided this DJ and music lover endless hours of joy. Can't wait to hear, Midnight In Rio, his new release set to debut March 11, 2008. Carry on Mr. Mendes!!

This is the rosetta of Brazilian music, aka Bossa Nova. Some info that you must know is that the saxophone player on the cd is Stan Getz and the flute player is Herbie Mann. They in fact did produce this album when it was originally recorde in the Capitol Studio in LA. The loss after this came out was Wanda de Sah and Rosinha de Valenca. Sadly I never have heard them since this was originally done. Were it not for Getz and Mann, this would not have happend. If you are a fan of Brazilian music, this is a must have cd. Every song on this cd are jewells.

I am not a huge fan of Sergio Mendes vast body of work, but Brasil 65' was different.The instrumentals,Favela,Triste,She's a Carioca and Con'Solacao are some of the best bossa nova you've ever heard.The songs just have a rawer feel than Brasil '66 and beyond.These songs sound closer to Jobim/Gilberto authenticity whereas the other stuff has a Herb Albert pop feel.This is some of the best bossa nova of this era..

Slithering through the crowd in her black satin dress, careful not to spill her martini . . . Images like these are what one conjures up when listening to this smooth, sexy compilation of songs by Sergio Mendes. He is untouchable as he creates the best bossa nova atmosphere you could surround yourself with. You will become more distinguished as you listen, so, go ahead, download the whole album, and have a drink on me!