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Sergio Mendes – In the Key of Joy

by Debra C. Argen
Sergio Mendes - In the Key of Joy
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I just returned from a fabulous trip to Brazil, and while I could not take our readers along, I can introduce you to Brazil’s own multi-award winning producer, composer, keyboardist and vocalist, Sergio Mendes and his latest album set to hit the streets on February 28, 2020, Sergio Mendes – In the Key of Joy released on the Concord Records label.

Sergio Mendes – In the Key of Joy

Sergio Mendes – In the Key of Joy: Sabor Do Rio featuring Common, Bora Lá featuring Rogê and Gracinha Leporace, La Noche Entera featuring Cali y El Dandee, Samba in Heaven featuring Sugar Joans, Muganga featuring Gracinha Leporace, In the Key of Joy featuring Buddy, Love Came Between Us featuring Joe Pizzulo, Catch The Wave featuring Sheléa Frazier, Romance in Copacabana, This Is It (É isso) featuring Hermeto Pascoal and Gracinha Leporace, Time Goes By featuring Sheléa Frazier, Tangera featuring Gracinha Leporace and Guinga

Sergio Mendes – In the Key of Joy was released on the Concord Records label.

For the past six decades Sergio Mendes, "the boy from Niteroi," has thrilled audiences with his unequivocal style and musicianship. Hailing from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he has deftly captured the rhythms, the vibes, and the energy of his native country throughout the years. His latest release, Sergio Mendes – In the Key of Joy released on the Concord Records label, continues that energy and expands on it with a little help from his talented guests including his wife, vocalist Gracinha Leporace, the rapper Common, Joe Pizzulo and his daughter Sugar Joans, and the Columbian pop duo Cali y El Dandee, to name but a few of the stellar talent. The result is an incredible release showcasing Sergio Mendes’ continual drive to bring the excitement of Brazilian music and blending it with the creative California contemporary sound, where he now makes his home. The album is an artful blend that holds true to his roots and expands upon that as he embraces the new sound.

Sergio Mendes
Sergio Mendes

Sergio Mendes writes, "I like to get out of my comfort zone and try things I’ve never done before. I feel a great excitement walking into the studio with different people and discovering what happens. That’s what I do. I love the musical adventure that I’ve been on for more than 60 years."

This gorgeous 12-track album opens with the song Sabor Do Rio with its classic samba rhythms and lyrics in Portuguese layered with rap in English from Chicago’s native son, Common, that sets this release apart. Before you hit the play button, be sure to put your dancing shoes on, as Sergio Mendes’ In the Key of Joy will have you on your feet from the opening until the last song.

Next up is the song Bora Lá with its techno opening and fabulous vocals featuring Rogê and Gracinha Leporace. Musicians will be interested in listening for the cuíca (Brazilian friction drum) with its special sound.

Bring on the horns for added punch to the fabulous fast-paced bossa nova song, Muganga featuring Gracinha Leporace. Co-written by João Donato and Sergio Mendes.

The release continues with La Noche Entera featuring Cali y El Dandee, an exciting and vibrantly sensual song with its varying rhythm. Bring on the samba music with Samba in Heaven featuring the lovely vocals of Sugar Joans singing in English.

Buddy contributes the rap element on the title track, In the Key of Joy. Sergio takes it slow on the ballad, Love Came Between Us sung in English by Joe Pizzulo. I loved the opening rhythms on the pop infused Catch The Wave featuring Sheléa Frazier singing in English. The release continues with Romance in Copacabana that musically captures the sounds, and the pure essence of Rio de Janeiro with its intoxicating piano and Brazilian cuíca. The Brazilian party atmosphere continues with This Is It (É isso) featuring Hermeto Pascoal and GracinhaLeporace scatting their way throughout the up-tempo Portuguese lyrics.

The slow and sultry Time Goes By featuring Sheléa Frazier comes as a well-deserved break and an opportunity to grab your special someone and slow dance to this pretty song. By the time the album deftly closes with the beautiful Tangera featuring Gracinha Leporace and Guinga, you will be ready to sit down and sip a Caipirinha (national cocktail of Brazil made with cachaça, sugar, and muddled lime) and celebrate the magic of Sergio Mendes.

Until next time, keep enjoying the music!

For more information on Sergio Mendes as well as his upcoming tour calendar please visit his website: www.SergioMendesMusic.com

Listen to a teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1viPTiscVyc

Website where you can procure Sergio Mendes – In the Key of Joy:Signed, exclusive bundles and other special merchandise to celebrate the In the Key of Joy album available in the new online store for Sergio: https://found.ee/SergioMendesStore

In the Key of Joy is available for pre-order here: https://found.ee/SM_InTheKeyOfJoy and is also available on Amazon.

Follow Sergio Mendes on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SergioMendesMusic

Follow Luxury Experience on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LuxuryExperience to see photos and videos.

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Follow Sergio Mendes onInstagram at www.instagram.com/sergiomendesmusic @sergiomendesmusic

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