Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66

"Choosing to feature vocalists as a central element of the ensemble was a major artistic decision. When he met Lani Hall and Bibi Vogel, he realized their voices could function almost like instruments within the arrangements. In many of the recordings, the singers perform largely in unison rather than traditional harmony -- a sound that became one of the band’s trademarks. While it sounds effortless, singing together in that way consistently is actually very difficult."

“What made the music so compelling was Sergio’s ability to bring Brazilian rhythm, color, and feeling to songs audiences already knew. Whether interpreting ‘Mas Que Nada,’ songs by The Beatles, Burt Bacharach, Henry Mancini, and many others, he transformed familiar material into something completely new. The blend of Brazilian grooves with sophisticated pop songwriting immediately connected with listeners."
--Gracinha Leporace, Jersey Jazz Magazine, June 2026

Both Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss remember Brasil '66's audition for A&M Records as a group they both fell in love with and thought had great potential thanks to it unique blend of musical styles and using two vocals to sound like one and almost act as another instrument. They were also taken by the breadth of sound the trio of musicians brought.  

HERB ALPERT PRESENTS SERGIO MENDES & BRASIL '66

Herb Alpert produced the first three albums. Mendes remembered that as a real learning experience on how to bring live music to its best in a studio.

Lani Hall sang all the female vocals on Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 except "Aqua de Beber" performed by Janis Hansen. Bibi Vogel appeared on the album cover however she only sang with the group in concert appearances. The back cover of the album had Janis Hansen with the group.

Alpert quickly decided that he wanted Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66 to be the opening act for the Tijuana Brass. The first concert Brasil '66 did in its supporting role was at Carnegie Hall on April 12, 1966.

Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 was released in August 1966.

"Mas Que Nada" peaked at #4 on Billboard's Easy Listening chart on September 24, 1966. It became the first song sung in Portuguese to become a worldwide hit.

EQUINOX (1967)

In March, Sergio Mendes received a Music Man Of the Year award from the University of Rio de Janeiro.

Equinox was released in April 1967. Again most of the vocals were Lani Hall double tracked. Tijuana Brass guitarist John Pisano played on the album but his name was not on the album credits.

In June 1967, Mendes' partner and manager, Richard Adler met with A&M sales and promotion personnel in London, Rome, Paris and Stockholm to discuss a concert tour of Europe.

The group toured as Frank Sinatra's opening act from July 2 through July 15, 1967.

Until the end of 1967, Mendes had a partnership with Richard Adler who managed the group. 

Billboard's Top Jazz Albums of 1967: Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 was #8 and Equinox was #6. 
Billboard's #8 best selling pop standard album was Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66.
Billboard's Best Selling Popular Groups of 1967 ranked Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 at #12.

Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 were Billboard's #17 Top Album Artists of 1967 and the #4 Top Jazz Artist.

In late 1967, members of the original Brasil '66 approached Mendes and also Herb Alpert asking for more money. They felt the band could be as strong without Mendes. Alpert's response was he had hired Sergio Mendes. Mendes' response was to fire the band--Janis Hansen, Joao Palma, Jose Soares and Bob Matthews.

Eventos Latinos magazine named Brasil '66 as the Best Latin American Musical Group in the United States in 1967.

Effective January 1, 1968, Mendes Enterprises assumed management and booking with support from A&M.

LOOK AROUND (1968)

Janis Hansen sang the lead vocal on "The Look Of Love" for this album then she left with the other members of the group. The song was not selected as a single but Brasil '66 was asked to perform it on the Academy Awards on April 10 as "The Look Of Love" was nominated as Best Original Song From a Motion Picture. Audience response to the performance was strong enough to get the song released as a 7-inch. The picture sleeve showed the new group, not the original band that had recorded the song in late 1967.

The album marked the first time Dave Grusin would add orchestrations over Sergio's arrangements. 

By late January 1968, Mendes had replaced the original members. Lani Hall was the only original member who stayed through the shake-up. Karen Phillip became the second vocalist. Sebastian Neto on bass, Dom Um Romao on drums. The group's first appearance was on January 27 at Lincoln Center's Philharmonic Hall.

From March 23 to April 6, 1968 Brasil '66 toured Japan. TDuring May and June the group did a six-week tour of Brazil.

On November 21, 1968 in Great Britain, A&M started campaigning the single "Fool On the Hill/With a Little Help From My Friends" and the sampler "Introducing Sergio Mendes and Brazil '66" was released on December 5. The promotion included poster and window displays. 

In 1968 Billboard named Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 its #3 Top Easy Listening Artist and #5 Jazz Artist.

FOOL ON THE HILL (1969)

Gracinha Leporace contributed the vocal on "Lapinha."

Sears refused to sell the Fool on the Hill album because it did not agree with the album cover art. The group is sitting on a woman's stomach and the back cover shows her nipple. In response, the sticker shown was placed over the nipple.

A&M Records submitted a short film of Brasil '66 performing two songs to American Airlines.

In January 1969, Brasil '66 did a tour of Europe plus television shows in London, Paris, Munich and Rome. 

Fool On the Hill was a #3 best seller in Japan in March and July 1969. Theband  returned to Japan for a second tour in March 1969. 

The single "Scarborough Fair" was among Australia's Best Sellers and was ranked #7 on March 15, 1969. It was ranked the #39 Top Single of the year in Australia in 1969.

STILLNESS (1970)

Brasil '66 toured Japan from April 1-18, 1970. That tour was followed by a European tour from April 24 though May 16, 1970. The group toured Australia in September 1970. Billboard reported airplay and record sales were at an all time high.

In late September or early October 1970, the group re-signed with A&M Records. The deal was a four-year contract.

Lani Hall left the group in 1970. She recorded most of the lead vocals on the album. Gracinha's first vocals as a member of Brasil '66 were "Lost in Paradise" and "Chelsea Morning" on the Stillness album. Karen Phillip had the lead on "For What It's Worth." With At the same time Claudio Slon replaced Dom Um Romao on drums and added Laudir De Oliveira on conga. 

Mendes' 16-track home studio was completed. Stillness was the third album Sergio produced there.

"Scarborough Fair" was used in the 1973 film "Heavy Traffic."

Official website: sergiomendesmusic.com