Search - Sergio Mendes :: Primal Roots

Primal delight from Sergio Mendes...

reading man | 03/23/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sergio Mendes uses an expanded percussion ensemble, virtuoso flute, and folk guitar to develop an appealing set of Brasilian music. African and Amerindian rhythms form the core, and his ability to blend them into his trademark sound makes Primal Roots special.

Two Brasil '66 standards open. His organ captures the religious invocation in "Promise"; Sunrise", a steady, melodic chant, is powerful in its simplicity. "Canto'', "Iemanja"' and "Pomba" are primal. The tempo is faster, approaching urgency, with male/female voices using call/response and singing/chanting in unison."Circle Game", a series of extended, alternating, abstractions, is the centerpiece, comprising half of the 37:05. He introduces the flute dramatically, followed by a wailing voice. "Circle" bursts into frenetic song, and then slows to a crawl. The flute takes a long solo, with piano and guitar creating a contemplative mood,flute joining guitar as piano recedes, and percussion ultimately adding contrast. The group catches fire, changing pace twice near the finish to play the pulsating bridge of "Primitivo", a 1964 song Mr. Mendes recorded with Bossa Rio. "Circle" flows pleasantly into the tranquil opening of "Promise" in closing. "Crab", full of sunshine and warmth, provides a joyous end.

Primal Roots is the best of all worlds. Whether you have enjoyed Sergio Mendes' music for years, or seek an introduction, you will enjoy."

A Real Gem

S. Turell | CA United States | 04/06/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I fished this LP out of a bargain bin years ago. What a gem! Real indigenous Brasilian music with a jazz edge. I look forward to hearing the remastered version. Expensive, but worth it, I'd say."

Sergio Mendes' "important album"

The Delite Rancher | Phoenix, Arizona | 09/03/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"By sharing its culture, Brazil has enriched countless lives around the world. Coming from a nation of great musical traditions, Sergio Mendes has never been one of his country's best exports. Always fast to embrace the commercial sound du jour, Mendes' discography hasn't aged well. "Primal Roots" is the exception to this rule. As the title suggests, this isn't another cornball excursion into Brazilian pop. Here, there's no pandering to Tropicália, disco or whatever was en vogue in 1972 -yes despite being played by the Brasil '77, the album was actually recorded in 1972 under the alternate title "Raízes." This is an album of traditional Brazilian music. The compositions feature traditional percussion instruments such as the gogó, cuica, pandeiro and atabaques. Much of the compositions emphasize the African origins of Brazilian music. While "Primal Roots" doesn't sell out to commercial pressures, it is far from a field recording of traditional music. While some songs feature minimalist chanting and drumming, others feature those silky smooth female vocalists, flutes and some psychedelic keyboard work. Sergio Mendes may never be remembered in the same light as Astrud Gilberto, Airto Moreira and Gilberto Gil but "Primal Roots" will always be remembered as his 'important album.'"