Christian’s Artist of the Week is Sergio Mendes who is celebrating the forthcoming release of his sensational new album ‘Bom Tempo‘ on June 1st, a festive celebration of life interweaving elements of pop, jazz and world music into a vibrant tapestry that could only be realised by the legendary Brazilian artist.
‘Bom Tempo’ showcases songs from the crème de la crème of Brazilian songwriters including Antonio Carlos Jobim, Gilberto Gil, Joao Donato, Carlinhos Brown, Jorge Benjor, Milton Nascimento and Moacir Santos. It also features a song from his old friend Stevie Wonder written especially for Mendes in 1977, the simmering “The Real Thing” (first recorded on ‘Sergio Mendes and the New Brasil ‘77‘ album).
Over the course of a career that has amassed an astounding track record of 35-plus albums made and millions sold, Mendes has embarked on many adventures, highlighted by his early ‘60s Bossa Rio Sextet outings in Brazil, his worldwide breakthrough the Brasil’66 group (and its many iterations), his 1992 Grammy-winning milestone ‘Brasileiro’ and his brilliant 2006 outing ‘Timeless‘, a Brazilian-meets-hip hop collaboration with Black Eyed Peas’ will.i.am.
Hear tracks from Sergio’s new album and his glorious back catalogue all this week from 1am to 4am only on Jazz FM.
