Sergio Mendes – In the Key of Joy (Concord Records, 2020)
One of the iconic names in Brazilian music, Sergio Mendes, returns with a large scale modern samba and bossa nova production titled In the Key of Joy. The format is similar to some of his recent albums like Timeless (2006), Encanto (2008), Bom Tempo (2010), and Magic (2014). Producers bring in artists from the pop, R&B, hip hop and Spanish-language world with the intention of getting crossover appeal.
The highlights on In the Key of Joy are the songs where Mendes is joined by fellow Brazilians, the highly talented Hermeto Pascoal, Gracinha Leporace, Rogê, and Guinga.
Standouts include the delectable Bora Lá with Rogê & Gracinha Leporace; La Noche Entera with Cali y El Dandee; Muganga with Gracinha Leporace; Catch The Wave with Shelea Frazier; Romance In Copacabana; This Is It (É Isso) with Hermeto Pascoal & Gracinha Leporace; and Tangara with Gracinha Leporace & Guinga.
The rest of the songs contain pop singers and tiresome rappers that don’t fit well with Mendes’ masterful style.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.