Dawn Bishop
Dawn Bishop, Sergio & Katie Hampton
Michael Shapiro
Hussain Jiffry
The "Percussion Brothers," Meia Noite & Gibi
Dawn Bishop, H2O & Katie Hampton
Set list:
E Menina
Tim Dom Dom / Roda
Ela E Carioca
Milagre
So Many Stars
Agua De Beber
One Note Samba
Berimbau/Consolacao
The Dreamer
Fool On The Hill
Going Out Of My Head
The Look Of Love
The Frog
Let Me
Voce Abusou
Mas Que Nada
Tristeza
Funky Bahia
Review:
Well, it’s been quite busy around here, but thought that I needed to say something about Sergio’s show in Bridgeport this past Sunday. As you well know, the photos and set list went up pretty quick. And since a picture is worth a thousand words, you take a good look at the pictures and I won’t have to write so many.
The bad news is that Gracinha did not appear, so we were disappointed with that. But a columnist for a Philadelphia newspaper wrote that Lani Hall would probably appear at the Philly show, as “she is Mrs. Mendes.” Talk about screwed up. Just another reason not to believe everything you read.
The good news is that we had great seats – first row. Just like at Joe’s Pub and Scullers for the Herb & Lani Jazz Club Tour. First row makes an exceptional vantage point for shooting great pictures. In fact, at Joe’s Pub, we could see some splashes of acrylic paint on Herb’s black sneakers. But I digress.
Despite the fact that Sergio and his band played only about 90 minutes, I have to say that this show was one of his best. And I have seen several over the years. In fact, my first live listen was in June 1966, when Sergio and Brasil ’66 opened the show at the Yale Bowl in New Haven for Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass. My last concert (prior to Sunday) was Sergio’s 40th Anniversary of Brasil ’66 show at the Hollywood Bowl two summers ago. Throw in some casino appearances and a couple dates at Humphrey’s in San Diego and you have my Sergio concert-going history.
Sergio is a master musician, arranger and band leader. Over the years, he’s had ups and downs, as many in the music business have. Sergio’s current return to the top of the charts and the critical acclaim that he’s received is wonderful. He truly deserves it.
Sergio and his band looked like they were really having fun, besides the fact that the playing and vocals were flawless. There were some empty seats – probably attributable to poor advance advertising locally for the show. But for those who were there, the enthusiasm displayed more than made up for it. Sergio might have been a rock star to this crowd. They were dancing in the aisles and singing along. And when we heard the first notes of “Mas Que Nada,” forget any decorum – everyone was up singing and dancing to what has to be Sergio’s international anthem! And if you are thinking about catching an upcoming show and have reservations about that “rap” stuff, don’t give it a second thought. H2O was a perfect gentleman and quite entertaining to tell the truth. His contribution definitely added to the show, but not overly so, if you know what I mean.
So now, check the upcoming dates and get your tickets early. Maybe you can score front row tickets, too. Also, make a note to watch Sergio on Jay Leno on July 30th. If it’s past your bedtime, then program that TiVo, or DVR or VCR - if anyone still owns one.
