Sergio Mendes - In The Brazilian Bag! (1966)

This is a prime example of Sergio Mendes as a talented jazz pianist, dating from before the hitmaking days of Brasil '66. Tackling a list of standards by the likes of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Baden Powell, Edu Lobo, Marcus Valle and Joao Donato, Mendes is always resourceful, swinging, focused upon melodic improvisations, and ably backed by the superb guitarist Rosinha de Valenca (who often takes the spotlight), longtime bassist Sebastiao Neto, and drummer Chico Batera. Donato's "Muito A Vontade" is a lovely example of just how hauntingly effective Mendes could be as a pianist in those days; his playing reminds one of Vince Guaraldi in a Latin mood. There are two other guests on this LP -- a definite asset, Bud Shank winsomely displaying a free-floating affinity for bossa nova on flute and alto sax; the other, the off-key vocalist Wanda de Sah (wife of composer Edu Lobo), is definitely an acquired taste. Itself a reissue of a Capitol LP, this record was later spun off onto a cheap Pickwick reissue, So Nice, stripped of two of its eleven tracks.~In the Brazilian Bag Review by Richard S. Ginell