5 STARS ALL MUSIC GUDE

For the first time in 45 years, an LP reissue of one of the most underrated albumsof the initial Brazilian wave, talented Bossa Nova composer and performer Edu Lobo's seminal Sergio Mendes Presents Edu Lobo. Produced by one of Lobo's most persistent advocates, Sergio Mendes, the album overflows with cunningly devised, first-class tunes like "Ponteio," "To Say Goodbye," the marathon "Crystal Illusions," "Casa Forte," and the irresistible "Jangada." Some have Portuguese lyrics, some are in English, but others simply use sharp scatted syllables, an art at which the low-key but nimble-tongued Lobo excels.

The backings strip the base of Sergio Mendes' Brasil '66 sound down to its rhythm section, fortified by the playful and enigmatic electric piano and flute multiphonics of Hermeto Pascoal (who also had a big hand in the arrangements), Airto Moreira's multifaceted percussion talents, and an occasional cello quartet. Collectors of Brazilian jazz should seek this one out; it is absolutely essential.

PERSONNEL:

EDU LOBO, guitar, vocals, co-arranger, conductor
HERMETO PASCOAL, flute, piano, electric piano, co-arranger
SEBASTIAO NETO, bass
OSCAR CASTRO-NEVES, acoustic 12-string guitar
CLAUDIO SLON, drums
AIRTO MOREIRA, percussion
SERGIO MENDES, co-arranger
GRACINHA LEPORACE, vocals on tracks B1 & B3
RAY KRAMER, on tracks A4, B4 & B5
RON COOPER, cello on track A4
KURT REHER, cello on track A4
ELEANOR SLATKIN, cello on track A4
NORMAN HERZBERG, bassoon on track B5

Recorded at Kendun Recorders, Burbank, California, A&M Studios, Hollywood, or Sergio Mendes’ Home Studio, Encino, California, on July 22 (Tracks A1, A2, B1 &
B2) and July 23 (Tracks A4 & B5), 1970.

SIDE A:

01. ZANZIBAR
02. PONTEIO
03. EVEN NOW
04. CRYSTAL ILLUSIONS

SIDE B:

01. CASA FORTE
02. JANGADA
03. SHARP TONGUE
04. TO SAY GOODBYE
05. HEY JUDE