Search - Sergio Mendes & The New Brasil 77 :: Sergio Mendes & The New Brasil 77

The Real Thing

Andre S. Grindle | Brewer Maine | 06/14/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Following the great Homecooking Sergio Mendes' New Brasil 77 put out this self titled follow up album.This album was recorded not long after Songs in the Key of Life and it shows-fresh from his work on that album Sembello brings Stevie Wonder himself along with hom on this album to contribute to the smooth "Love City" and the marvelously funky "The Real Thing",both of which are loaded with Wonder's brilliant songwriting tradmarks and are among the best songs Sergio Mendes produced in the 70's.And as far as funk is concered Sembello again adds his spice to the absolute MONSTER instrumental "Mozambique",which not only jams but jams HARD and the groove just embeds itself into your head."P-Ka-Poo" visits the same territory but adds horns blasting,latin percussion and vocals but grooves nonetheless.As far as covers breezy versions of "Love Me Tomorrow" which is actually a little bouncy and Chicago's "If You Leave Me Now"-even though Sembello wrote it "Why" actually does sound like Stevie Wonder where "Peninsula" showcases very strong Brazilian roots.The album ends with "Life",an easy going latin-pop groove with kind of a cute synthesizer hook at the beginning.Any fan of Homecooking or any Stevie Wonder music from this period will feel right at home here and will be in for a pleasant (and often extremely funky) listening experience."

Worth the Wait

Music Lover | Houston, TX | 10/21/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I also searched for this album/CD for years as it had been a favorite of mine and my family when it came out. When my brother found it online, I rushed to purchase it through Amazon The music reminds me of the fun outdoor summer concerts I enjoyed while living in Los Angeles/Orange County (i.e. Playboy Jazz, Hyatt Newporter Jazz Festival). Favorite songs are "The Real Thing", and "Love City", but for a real funky party , blast "Mozambique" to get the party started!



AH - Houston, TX"

THE SEVENTIES NEVER SOUNDED SO GOOD!

P. BYRD | brooklyn, USA | 11/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"So like I searched for this CD, everywhere, for maybe 5 years. Don't ask me why it didn't occur to me sooner to look on amazon.com. The CD is an amazing blend of Brazilian melody, Afro/Cuban funk,and pop influences with a just a hint of jazz. Musical contributors such as Stevie Wonder, Mike Sembello ("She's a Maniac")and, of course, Sergio Mendes, as well as the mellifluous harmmonies and musicianship of "the New Brasil'77", make this a must have for any "Sergio"phile."