Equinox (Sérgio Mendes album)
Equinox is a 1967 album by Sérgio Mendes and Brasil '66. It represents a peak in the group's early success and popularity, solidifying their bossa nova and samba-infused sound with a distinct American pop sensibility. The album was released by A&M Records.
Overview
Equinox is characterized by its sophisticated arrangements, lush vocals, and strong interpretations of contemporary pop songs. The album features notable covers of songs by artists such as The Beatles ("The Fool on the Hill"), Burt Bacharach ("The Look of Love"), and Paul Simon ("So Many People"). These covers, combined with original compositions, showcase Mendes's signature blend of Brazilian rhythms, jazz harmonies, and pop melodies.
Musical Style and Arrangements
The arrangements on Equinox are carefully crafted, often incorporating complex vocal harmonies sung by Lani Hall and Bibi Vogel (occasionally Gracinha Leporace). The instrumental backing features a combination of traditional Brazilian percussion, piano (played by Mendes), acoustic guitar, and bass. The arrangements are designed to be both accessible to a wide audience and musically interesting.
Track Listing
The track listing typically includes:
- "Constant Rain (Chove Chuva)"
- "Like a Lover"
- "The Frog"
- "Wave"
- "So Many People"
- "Triste"
- "Call Me"
- "The Look of Love"
- "Bim Bom"
- "For Me"
- "The Fool on the Hill"
- "Watch What Happens"
(Note: Track listings can vary slightly depending on the release.)
Reception and Influence
Equinox was commercially successful and further cemented Sérgio Mendes and Brasil '66's position as a leading force in the bossa nova and Latin pop music scenes. The album's blend of Brazilian rhythms and pop melodies proved popular with audiences worldwide. It is considered a significant work in Mendes's discography and a key album of the bossa nova revival of the 1960s. The album helped to popularize Brazilian music in the United States and internationally.