Quiet Nights

[Steve]

The SM album "Quiet Nights" (on the Philips label) seems to be the only "pre A&M" album that hasn't been released on CD. You can see it on B.J. Major's site, and although the scan isn't very clear, it's obvious that the cover shown is a U.S. release.

I was just wondering if anybody here who has it could describe it a little (e.g., is it a jazz trio or a larger group?) Many thanks in advance and I apologize if this has already been discussed.

Steve

 

[JMK]

It's actually a licensed US release of a set recorded in Brasil. It's a very nice album that, combo-wise, I'd place somewhere between the Bossa Rio Sextet and the orchestral Atlantic albums. The most obvious difference is the consistent use of vibes. Sergio remembered **nothing** about this recording when I asked him about it. It did, indeed, show up on some international CD databases several years ago and I ordered it, but Dance Moderno came instead.

 

[Steve Sidoruk]

The SM album "Quiet Nights" (on the Philips label) seems to be the only "pre A&M" album that hasn't been released on CD. You can see it on B.J. Major's site, and although the scan isn't very clear, it's obvious that the cover shown is a U.S. release.

I was just wondering if anybody here who has it could describe it a little (e.g., is it a jazz trio or a larger group?) Many thanks in advance and I apologize if this has already been discussed.

Hi Steve!

I have it, but haven't played it in years. It was released on Philips Records (PHS 600-263/PHM 200-263 stereo/mono), which was at the time, a division of Mercury Record Productions.

The tracks are: Desafinado, One Note Samba, Morning Of The Carnival (Manha De Carnaval), Meditacao (Meditation), The Tower, O Peixe, Quiet Nights (Corcovado), Jazz "N" Samba (So Danco Samba), Insensatez (How Insensitive), Amor Em Paz, Infinity, Abraco A Sergio.

As you can see, Sergio likes to re-visit a lot of these titles, which we know from other albums. I'll give it a listen, then be back with more info. BTW - Capitol Records re-issued Cannonball Adderly and The Bossa Rio Sextet with Sergio Mendes also as "Quiet Nights" - Capitol SF-699.

 

[Brasil_Nut]

It's actually a licensed US release of a set recorded in Brasil. It's a very nice album that, combo-wise, I'd place somewhere between the Bossa Rio Sextet and the orchestral Atlantic albums. The most obvious difference is the consistent use of vibes.

This is an accurate description, yes. A great album. It has a pleasing sound with a nice combination of Jazz, Samba and Bossa Nova rythms. And, as Jeff mentioned, an emphasis on the use of vibes -- one of those Mendes twists -- which adds a nice touch.

Sergio remembered **nothing** about this recording when I asked him about it...

This is absolutely correct. Same here. Sergio had very little recollection of this album at all.

As a matter of fact, Gracinha, whose solo album made it onto CD late last year, didn't even know it had been released until someone asked her to autograph a copy!! When I expressed appreciation for her solo version of "Ultima Batucada" she said, "Didn't we do that on Horizonte Aberto?" I said, "Yes, but I'm referring to your solo version." "Really?" she laughed. "Thanks...I didn't remember recording that!"

As we've mentioned before, when you're musician, it's hard to remember recordings of old. After a while, although they enjoy what they do, it all boils down to just another gig.

Jon