Fool On The Hill

A radical departure from anything that had gone before, Stillness remains the one album that Brasil '66 fans either love or hate. Most complaints about it center on the fact that the familiar bossa sound of the earlier records was now mostly gone. Nonetheless, Stillness is arguably one of the most fluid albums of Mendes' career. It takes its cue from the work of many of the singer/songwriters of the day (Carole King, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, etc.), with thoughtful lyrics and often delicate arrangements. It is a almost a concept album, with the theme expressed in the title song -- the words of which are even printed on the front cover -- and an outdoorsy, peaceful feeling running through many of the other lyrics. (This feeling is also reflected in the cover photos, which were shot in a rural setting.) Stillness is also Lani Hall's final album with Mendes; she left the group during these sessions and was replaced by Gracinha Leporace, who does lead vocals on several songs. Standout tracks include "Chelsea Morning" and "Viramundo," both of which contain traces of the earlier Brasil '66 sound; "Righteous Life" and Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth," both of which reflect the mood of late '60s America through their lyrics; and the very pretty "Sometimes in Winter," featuring an elegant orchestral arrangement by Dick Hazard.

Stillness has never been released on CD; however all except one of its songs can be found on the Polydor/A&M UK compilation, "The Very Best of Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66."

Source: http://www.brasil66.com/

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