Viola Fora de Moda/Zanzibar - Lani Hall, Capinan, J.
Velho Piano (No Place to Hide) - Lani Hall, Caymmi, Dori [Jr]
Brasil Nativo - Lani Hall, Caymmi, Dori [Jr]
Mas Que Nada - Lani Hall, Ben, Jorge
Historia Antiga (An Old Story) - Lani Hall, Caymmi, Dori [Jr]
Saudades de Casa (Meant to Be) - Lani Hall, Hall, Lani
Varadero - Lani Hall, Bosco, Joao
Amor de Indio (Indian's Love) - Lani Hall, Bastos, Ronaldo
Waters of March (Aguas de Mar?o) - Lani Hall, Jobim, Antonio Carl
This album from bilingual (at least) singer Lani Hall is a pleasant, if sometimes underwhelming, listen; this is mostly due to the strength of Hall's voice, which has a power and expressiveness that's sometimes too much ... more »for the songs she's singing. Exceptions include the title track, where Hall's singing is backed up by strong rhythmic and harmonic accompaniment. However, the best song is probably "Mas Que Nada." Here Hall pulls out all the stops, and the result is impressive. There are several duets, which are nicely done, and the music is clear and present without ever becoming intrusive. One wishes, though, that it pushed Hall a little harder; one senses some untapped potential here. --Genevieve Williams« less
This album from bilingual (at least) singer Lani Hall is a pleasant, if sometimes underwhelming, listen; this is mostly due to the strength of Hall's voice, which has a power and expressiveness that's sometimes too much for the songs she's singing. Exceptions include the title track, where Hall's singing is backed up by strong rhythmic and harmonic accompaniment. However, the best song is probably "Mas Que Nada." Here Hall pulls out all the stops, and the result is impressive. There are several duets, which are nicely done, and the music is clear and present without ever becoming intrusive. One wishes, though, that it pushed Hall a little harder; one senses some untapped potential here. --Genevieve Williams
"I've been in love with Lani's voice and singing since her days with Sergio Mendes and her solo works through the 70s and ,rare ones in the 80s. This album no doubt brings me so much enjoyment . I wish for re-issues of her solo efforts on CD so her fans can embrace her wonderful interpretations of jewels like "Sundown Lady","Come Down In Time", "Wheelers & Dealer"in addition to the A&M Release of her recordings on the 25th Anniversary Series. And as for Lani herself - pls don't stay away too long. For decades I've been checking on Mr. Alpert's albums to see whether you might guest-appear on something. So let us enjoy more music from you."
Welcome Back Lani!
W. J. Bernardi | Austin, Tx USA | 04/10/1999
(3 out of 5 stars)
"While she may not be a household name, Lani Hall's voice is undoubtedly known by many. She was the lead vocalist for Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66, plus she made many critically acclaimed solo albums in the 70's, not to mention her Latin albums in the 80's. She took time off to raise a family (she's married to Herb Alpert) and has come back to record a pleasant album of Brazilian tunes. On this CD she has some high moments, such as "Tres Curumins", "Varadero", "Meant To Be" (a great ballad!), plus an interesting version of the Brasil '66 classic "Mas Que Nada", done here as a dirge. The problem with this CD is that there are too many ballads. It would have been nice to have a couple of more uptempo tunes. But this is a welcome comeback for a very underrated singer."
If you Love Lani...
Herb Phillips | Waddy, KY USA | 06/08/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"You may love this effort, but sadly it is not what I had hoped it would be though I agree with another reviewer that Lani is one of the most under-rated vocalists of our generation. I recently rediscovered how much I loved her work when I bought the excellent "Greatest Hits of Brasil 66" CD. Compared to those wonderful high energy vocals, this album is rather depressing. There is more of an aura of sadness than enthusiasm in nearly every selection. The only one I truely enjoyed was the wonderful "Meant To Be" which she dedicated to "The love of her life, Herb" (Alpert). I hope Lani will continue to record as her voice still holds the same magic as it did when I saw her and Brasil 66 perform live in South Bend Indiana in the sixties. Buy the album just for "Meant To Be" and I hope you will find I am completely wrong about the rest. And to dear Lani, thank you for some of the greatest music ever created. I still have all of my treasured Brasil 66 and 77 vinyls (and even a couple of, gulp, 4-tracks) and I will continue to buy your other solo efforts. I forgot how much I have missed you! With love from your "other" Herb."
Great Latin Jazz
W. Coukell | Toronto, Ontario Canada | 12/26/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is really Lani Hall's best effort ever! Produced by her husband, Herb Alpert, (and, let's face it, he's one of the best album producers ever), it shows Lani's voice at it's best. Lani Hall has got to be one of the most under-rated vocalists of our generation. A great Jazz vocalist, she sings here in at least 4 different languages. The songs are all worthwhile, a special note is that she revisits perhaps her greatest hit of all time "Mas Que Nada" in a slow tempo version that sizzles....This is one of my favourite albums to listen to in the car, it keeps the road rage to a minimum"
Smooth Stuff
Glenn M. Schoditsch | Richmond, Virginia USA | 06/27/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a truly an enjoyable experience. I've enjoyed Lani Hall from her days with B66 and those great CH2CH recordings from the 70's. That's 33 1/3 vinyl records for the younger set. I still can listen to Love Song & Ocean Song loop after loop. And to Herb with the 4 track; I still have a working unit and 4 playable tapes."