Sergio Mendes & Brasil '77
In July 1971, Sergio Mendes announced he was changing his group's name from Brasil '66 to Brasil '77. He told Billboard, "I find myself growing: moving into new sounds and creating fresh ideas musically. The group feels it, and they change, too. And then we all move with the times.... [The sound] will blend a harder rock sound with a more authentic Brazilian-metered presentation. In other words, a blend of more subtle rock overlays and driving arrangements."
PAIS TROPICAL (1971)
Lead vocals were shared by Karen Phillip and Gracinha Leporace. Karen left the group after the White House performance on January 26, 1971. Uncredited appearances included Airto Moreira and the Girls From Bahia.
The first single from the newly expanded and renamed group was released in July 1971. During August, the group was touring in support of the September release of Pais Tropical. The album was set for a September 1971 release.
PRIMAL ROOTS (1972)
Primal Roots was the third album Sergio produced in his home studio. There were no songs that stood out as potential singles making it difficult for A&M Records to promote it. The album had much more of a Brasilian concept and feel than previous albums and has become an album that was critically acclaimed for its energy and creativity.
The group's tour of Mexico was recorded as six 30-minute television specials that began airing weekly on June 12, 1972 via Channel 2's 50 stations.
In September Brasil '77 was the opening act for Henry Mancini and his orchestra at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. The shows were recorded and an album was produced. A&M never released it in the U.S. It was released in Europe in 1973.
By the end of September 1972, Sergio Mendes had left A&M Records.
Official website: sergiomendesmusic.com
- Mendes Changes Group's Name to Brasil '77. Billboard, July 24, 1971.
- Graham Pitches Mendes Group. Billboard, August 28, 1971.
- Mendes & Co. To Mexican TV. Record World, June 10, 1972.
| Name | Member Years | Instruments |
|---|---|---|
| Claudio Slon | 1971-1972 | drums |
| Dom Um Romao | 1971-1972 | drums |
| Geri Stevens | 1972 | vocals |
| Gracinha Leporace | 1971-1972 | vocals |
| Karen Phillip | 1971 | vocals |
| Laudir Soares de Olivierira | 1971-1972 | congas, vocals |
| Oscar Castro-Neves | 1971-1972 | guitars |
| Rubens Bassini | 1971-1972 | percussion |
| Sebastian Neto | 1971-1972 | bass |
| Sergio Mendes | 1971-1972 | keybaords, vocals |
| Name | Birth | Death |
|---|---|---|
| Claudio Slon | 1943-11-12 | 2002-04-16 |
| Dom Um Romao | 1925-08-03 | 2005-07-27 |
| Geri Stevens | 1946-02-17 | |
| Gracinha Leporace | 1950-01-20 | |
| Karen Phillip | 1945-09-07 | |
| Laudir Soares de Olivierira | 1940-01-06 | 2017-09-17 |
| Oscar Castro-Neves | 1940-05-15 | 2013-09-27 |
| Rubens Bassini | 1933-01-26 | 1985-09-00 |
| Sebastian Neto | 1983-11-01 | 2001-06-13 |
| Sergio Mendes | 1941-02-11 | 2024-09-05 |
| Name | See associated acts |
|---|---|
| Dom Um Romao | Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 |
| Gracinha Leporace | Bossa Rio, Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 |
| Karen Phillip | Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 |
| Oscar Castro-Neves | Paul Winter & Friends, Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66, Paul Winter Consort, Oscar Castro-Neves |
| Rubens Bassini | Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 |
| Sebastian Neto | Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66, Bola Sete and His New Brazilian Trio |
| Sergio Mendes | Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66, Sergio Mendes |
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