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Sergio Mendes: In The Key Of Joy

By Jim Worsley
March 3, 2020
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With exuberant Brazilian beats variously smoldering and at full flame, In the Key of Joy (Concord Records, 2019) archives the sound and the ambiance that defines

Sergio Mendes

piano
1941 - 2024

" data-original-title="" title="">Sergio Mendes. In 2020, the composer, keyboardist and vocalist celebrates more than sixty years in the music industry with this release.

No matter how many beautiful songs and engaging records Mendes has provided over the years, many of a certain age will always first conjure up Sergio Mendes and Brazil '66. The 1960s produced a musical tapestry that was near limitless in its emotional depth and diversification. Mendes firmly yet delicately grabbed hold of that joy with both hands and has never let go. He has expressed it in pop, jazz, Brazilian and beyond. In 1968 we were treated to his spicy take on

Burt Bacharach

composer / conductor
1928 - 2023

" data-original-title="" title="">Burt Bacharach's "The Look of Love" and the heartbeat of Latin romance was within us. That sound and mood has playfully filled the air ever since.

In the Key of Joy kicks off with a visit from

Common

" data-original-title="" title="">Common on the feisty "Sabor Do Rio." This, along with the title track, with rapper Buddy, illustrate Mendes' ability to stay current and explore new territory, while never sacrificing any of his core sound. Chico Brown's catchy acoustic guitar work is augmented by vocalist

Shelea

" data-original-title="" title="">Shelea on "Catch the Wave." Mendes shuns the collaborative with his own jaunty piano skills on "Romance in Copacabana." His days with bossa nova legend

Antonio Carlos Jobim

piano
1927 - 1994

" data-original-title="" title="">Antonio Carlos Jobim are remembered with pianist and co-writer

João Donato

piano
1934 - 2023

" data-original-title="" title="">Jo?o Donato playing a duet on the upbeat "Muganga." It's also a family affair as Mendes' wife, singer and muse Gracinha Leporace joins in the fun and Joe Pizzulo's daughter, Sugar Jones, sings "Samba in Heaven." Pizzulo himself adds a reconnect with Mendes on "Love Came Between Us." Long time collaborators Hernan Pascal and Guinga join the party as well. A true celebration of family, friends and music. On the final track, Guinga's snappy guitar grooves signify that the celebration continues.

Released in conjunction with a bright documentary of his career, In the Key of Joy is at once a homage to the past and a step forward. This is a concept record. Breezy, bright, and infectious tunes are generally not the making of a concept record. But again, Sergio Mendes does what he does best. The concept is simple. Relax, get comfortable and breathe in the joy.

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Track Listing

Disc 1: Sabor Do Rio; Bora La; La Noche Entera; Samba In Heaven; Muganga; In The Key Of Joy; Love Came Between Us; Catch The Wave; Romance In Copacabana; This Is It; Time Goes By; Tangara Disc 2: Mas Que Nada; Agua De Beber; Primitive; Lamento; Pais Tropical: Reza; Consolacao; Going Out of My Head; The Frog; Morro Velho; The Look Of Love; Constant Rain; So Many Stars; Tonga; Never Gonna Let You Go; Fanfarra

Personnel

Sergio Mendes

piano

Leo Costa

drums

Andre de Santana

guitar

Paul Jackson Jr

guitar

Mika Mutti

synthesizer

Sergio Mendes: pianos; Leo Costa: drums; Andre de Santana: bass; Paul Jackson Jr.: guitar; Mika Mutti: acoustic guitar, synths & rhythm design, percussion.

Album information

Title: In The Key Of Joy | Year Released: 2019 | Record Label: Concord Music Group

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