|
Bossa Nova King Mendes Turns to Hip-Hop
02/14/2006 12:34 PM, AP
Sergio Mendes, "Timeless," (Concord)
The fusion of hip-hop and bossa nova is certainly not new.
DJ trio Bossacucanova combined dance beats and Brazil's jazz-imbued retro sound on 1999's "Revisited Classics" — to snazzy, sizzling effect.
"Timeless," bossa nova king Sergio Mendes' first album in 10 years, carries on this burgeoning tradition of urban renewal splashed with elements of Brazilian '60s pop.
It's not necessarily timeless, but it works, and well.
Produced by the Black Eyed Peas' will.i.am, the album's layered mix of samba, bossa nova, R&B and rap proves a worthy effort to introduce a new generation of listeners to the world of Mendes, founder of Latin supergroup Brasil '66.
And the departure from 1996's ballad-heavy "Oceano" is apparent for expert arranger Mendes, who has released more than 30 albums during his 40-year career.
"Mas Que Nada," one of Mendes' earliest hits — recorded in 1966, and revived in "Austin Powers" — here transforms into a rhythmic ode led by the Black Eyed Peas, who keep the song and it's familiar chorus "funky fresh."
Best new artist Grammy winner John Legend lends his smooth croon, reminiscent of a young Stevie Wonder, to his "Please Baby Don't" and its percussive samba flavor.
Joined by Mendes' wife and longtime vocalist Gracinha Leporace, Wonder in turn spices up Brazilian standard "Berimbau/Consolacao," a staccato filled number accented by hand claps and originally written by Vinicius de Moraes and guitarist Baden Powell.
Yes, the Peas' will.i.am raps on roughly half of the album's 15 old and new tracks, but contributions from Justin Timberlake, Jill Scott and Black Thought of the Roots represent the true breadth of contemporary guests paying their dues to Mendes on "Timeless."
R&B chanteuse Indie.Arie, with her easy alto and spiritual leanings, seems most comfortable with the breezy genre.
"Kindness is timeless, love is so easy to give," she chants on the title song, guided by Mendes' melody. "It just takes a moment to show somebody that you care."
And she and everyone else on this record are doing just that for Mendes.
|
