Singing like Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66: Techniques, Tips, and Recommended Practicing

Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66: A Brief Introduction

Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66, formed in 1966, are a musical group from Brazil, known for their unique blending of bossa nova, samba, and pop styles. Their smooth grooves, romantic ballads, and catchy tunes have gained an immense fan base in the US music scene during their time.

When it comes to vocal technique, Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66's lead singer Lani Hall's exquisite voice has been instrumental in defining the band's signature sound. Known for her high-pitched and sultry voice, Lani Hall's vocal style is a combination of breathy whispers, pure tones, and subtle vibrato, without losing crispness and clarity. Her impeccable timing and articulation, coupled with her extensive use of dynamics and phrasing, set her apart from other vocalists of her time.

How to Sing like Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66

To sing like Lani Hall, you can follow the below techniques and tips:

• Breath Support: The key to nailing Lani Hall's signature style is to control your breath. While singing, focus on taking deep breaths, filling up your lower lungs, and then letting the air out smoothly and evenly without any tension. Such breathing enables singers to keep the correct posture and generates powerful tones when hitting the high notes. (Link: Breath Support Basics)
• Practice Good Vocal Hygiene: To achieve clear vocal delivery, it's essential to warm up your vocal cords to avoid putting undue strain on them. Thus, you should start by humming, lip trilling, and doing some gentle vocal exercises before launching into a song. (Link: Pitch Training)
• Pay Attention to Open Resonance: Lani Halls' voice has a naturally resonant quality, which contributes to her singing's pitch-perfect ease. To achieve a similar sound, make sure to open your throat, lift your soft palate, and relax your tongue. As a result, your sound quality will improve, and your singing will become more effortless. (Link: Open Mouth & Throat)
• Adapt to the Genre: Lani Hall's serenading vocals are noticeable for her extensive use of subtle vibrato, giving her tunes a seductive and intimate mood. If you wish to replicate that style, pay attention to your vocal character's emotions and the musical mood you are emulating. (Link: Singing with Intuition, Skills, Emotion, and Thinking)

The Songs:

To practice your vocals while training to sing like Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66, try out their hit tracks such as:

• “The Look of Love”
• “Mas Que Nada”
• “One Note Samba”
• “Day Tripper”
• “Fool on the Hill”

By replicating Lani Hall's distinctive characteristics, such as breath support, open resonance, and vibrato, along with her upbeat and relaxing tunes, you can enhance your vocal performance and expand your singing style. Happy singing!