Sundown Lady - Lani Hall

After the commercial failure of Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66's folk-rock opus Stillness, longtime vocalist Lani Hall left the group to pursue a similar approach as a solo act. Produced and arranged by husband Herb Alpert, Sundown Lady is a sublime meditation on folk, funk, and the ties that bind them. The slinky, sun-kissed opener, "Love Song," perfectly establishes the album's mood and scope, marrying Hall's intimate vocals with breezy acoustic guitar and a thick, slow-percolating bassline. Alpert's nuanced production underscores the soulful, supple grooves that push the luminous melodies in new and unexpected directions. A minor classic in desperate need of a digital-era reissue. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide