Brazilian Dorian Dream (1976)
My only encounter with Manfredo Fest prior was the hyper obscure EP that I - more or less - rediscovered about seven years ago. Dutifully added it to Discogs, and some economics flunkie sold it for $15. When the next $1000+ copy moves, I'm sure he'll feel smart. Which is why I stopped adding things to Discogs. Too many slow brains out there to trust with these sort of rarities. Triggers me. If only Carolina Soul had a copy first. Here's my review of that EP, and my experience with it, and how it started my Unknown Vinyl Records blog (which I've fallen terribly behind on, and I have so much more to add there). Discogs shows an ownership of 2. The smart person that grabbed the $15 copy (I presume). And me. Those might be the only two copies left on the planet.
Which gets us to Brazilian Dorian Dream, which is by far the most known and popular of Fest's albums. I was sold on its contents in about - oh - 25 seconds. Starting off like every album that features The Northettes, Fest proceeds to bring out the Mini Moog and electric piano, the rhythms go on fire, and Roberta Davis provides the beautiful airy wordless vocals. It is about perfect, and it only gets better from there. Have to think that Sergio Mendes' Primal Roots had a role in the sound displayed here. Someone astutely compared this album to Cortex's Troupeau Bleu, where there are many similarities. Which recalled my own observation of Cortex reminding me some of Cos, taking us back to our Canterbury roots. This isn't a Canterbury album of course, but it has that feel-good optimistic sound, with brilliant songwriting. Perhaps had Fest added an electric guitar, or a flute, then Brazilian Dorian Dream would have gone to even a higher plane. I'm more than happy to be on the mountain he scaled as it is.
Ownership: 2020 Far Out (CD). Booklet has only the original liner notes. Taken from vinyl but it does sound good. Acquired in 2026.
3/16/26 (review)
3/16/26 (new entry)
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