Search - Herbie Mann :: Brazil: Once Again / Sunbelt

Excellent Choice For Re-release

Glenn R. Ellison | Pembroke Pines, Florida United States | 11/19/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Being a tremendous fan of Herbie Mann's, I've long looked forward to the re-issue of these albums. The first album on this two-on-one CD is Brazil Again. If for no other reason, get this for the incredibly engaging tune "Oh How I Want to Love You." Herbie first penned this for an album he did called "The Glory Of Love." The treatment here is incredible. The percussion percolates, while Herbie takes a brief solo. This is followed by pianist and long time Family of Mann member Pat Rebillot. Soon after Herbie returns for a more extended solo. How can I explain how great this is? It's so obvious that all the musicians are cookin' in the same groove. Listen how the intensity ebbs and flows. Honestly, I cannot say enough about this, which in my opinion, is one Herbie Mann's best recorded solos. The rest of the album is very good, especially the last tune, "O Meu Amor Chorou (Cry of Love)" in which Herbie uses overdubs to great effect.Tracks six and seven mark the beginning of "Sunbelt." The third track, "What Would You Do?" is a gospel-type tune featuring the talents of the late, soulful pianist Richard Tee. The gem from this session is, without question, the title track. Once again you have great percussion coupled with acoustic guitar and The Girls of Bahia doing light vocals. There is a terrific, irresistable hook at the end of the melody. What more can I say, just get this CD, you won't be sorry."