Let's all contribute memories and responses to the first Brasil '77 album. I saw this in the fall of 1971 and of course noticed right off the bat that the group's name had changed (so observant of me ). It was immediately obvious to me that Sergio was "rebranding" but following the successful formula he had had with B66--i.e., group in a tropical, floral setting on the cover, starting out with a Jorge Ben tune, etc.
But there were some exciting new developments, not the least of which was Karen Philipp's distinctive vocal charms on "So Many People" and especially on "Gone Forever," which in a just world would have been a monster hit for Sergio & Company. "Zanzibar" stands out as one of the more adventurous tunes in Sergio's oeuvre, with a great modal solo and superb vocalese. Tom Scott's sax is put to great use on "Asa Branca" and especially the 7/4 reworking of "After Midnight." (If you ever want a completely unusual take on "Asa Branca," I highly recommend the Celtic/Brasilian group Mac Umba's--get it?--where the lead is played by bagpipes!).
The only tune I don't care for is "I Know You"--it just lacks the dramatic gravitas of the Brasilian ballads that Sergio had previously sung.
And how cool was that cover, with the little fold-over flap, something replicated on the CD release? But why did they omit the guitar tune-up on "Zanzibar"?
Just some meandering thoughts right off the bat.
But there were some exciting new developments, not the least of which was Karen Philipp's distinctive vocal charms on "So Many People" and especially on "Gone Forever," which in a just world would have been a monster hit for Sergio & Company. "Zanzibar" stands out as one of the more adventurous tunes in Sergio's oeuvre, with a great modal solo and superb vocalese. Tom Scott's sax is put to great use on "Asa Branca" and especially the 7/4 reworking of "After Midnight." (If you ever want a completely unusual take on "Asa Branca," I highly recommend the Celtic/Brasilian group Mac Umba's--get it?--where the lead is played by bagpipes!).
The only tune I don't care for is "I Know You"--it just lacks the dramatic gravitas of the Brasilian ballads that Sergio had previously sung.
And how cool was that cover, with the little fold-over flap, something replicated on the CD release? But why did they omit the guitar tune-up on "Zanzibar"?
Just some meandering thoughts right off the bat.