The vibrant sounds of Brazil

Sun, 05/18/2008 10:48 AM  |  Entertainment

Artist: Sergio Mendes
Album: Encanto
Label: Universal Music
Rating: *** out of *****
Standout Tracks: Odo-ya, Funky Bahia, Lugar Comum

Sergio Mendes, a composer who plays the piano and Rhodes 73 keyboard, does it again with this CD.

The 14 songs in Encanto are lighthearted and easy to absorb, making them perfect for listeners who are looking for a bit of fun.

The best surprise of the album is that Mendes invited several artists, such as Fergie, Natalie Cole and Herb Alpert, to collaborate.

Despite the range of musicians, the overall sound of the record is decidedly Sergio Mendes. His music will always be about the beauty and cool breeze of Brazil. After all, he was the main man behind the rare groove posse Brasil '66.

Encanto does not challenge the listener, though it certainly lifts the mood.

Will.i.am and Siedah Garrett provided the vocals for Funky Bahia, which has similar beats to Britney Spears' raucous dance track I'm A Slave.

Italian crooner Jovanotti delivers rap remarks in Lugar Comum, making it seem like his song, not Mendes'. And that is a good thing for some people. Jovanotti raps in Italian rather than Portuguese, so his trademark festive sound is all there.

Sergio Mendes' fans and casual groove-seekers will be well pleased with this CD.

--Alvin Darlanika Soedarjo

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