It’s been very hot here in Washington for the past several days. One of my small pleasures after work is a cold beer, and summer music on the speakers in the big room.
Here’s one that keeps playing, over and over.
Sergio Mendes – Bom Tempo (Concord)Released – June 1, 2010
I’ve been listening to “Bom Tempo,” the latest release from Sergio Mendes, nearly non stop on the commute for the past several days.
Yeah, it’s that good.
Mr. Mendes, of “Brazil ’66″ fame, pretty much wrote the soundtrack of my late sixties life. The lush Brazilian beats, backing the iconic vocals of Lani Hall, Karen Philipp and Janis Hansen were recordings I played until the vinyl just plain wore out. Mr. Mendes has never been out of style in my book…although it’s clear he’s been working hard to reach out to a new generation.
“Timeless,” released in 2006 featured collaborations with several then-current pop acts, including The Black Eyed Peas, India.Arie and (yikes!) Justin Timberlake. “Encanto,” a 2008 release, featured more work with Fergie and the guys, as well as a reunion with Ms. Hall, and her husband – Herb Alpert.
But this year’s offering, “Bom Tempo,” may just be the best yet.
I’m particularly smitten with Nayanna Holley (pictured here), who is fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese. She takes the lead on the disco-tinged “You And I,” as well as “Emorio,” the track that leads off the disc, and includes samples of those sixties classic tracks like “Mas Que Nada” and “The Frog.” Ms. Holley, whose resume includes backing work with Sheryl Crow and Queen Latifah is also a familiar voice from a slew of commercials and television appearances.
Katie Hampton leads a driving version of Stevie Wonder’s “The Real Thing,” and teams with Gracinha Leporace (Mr. Mendes’ wife), and Jessica Taylor on an update of “Pais Tropical,” one of those signature tunes from Mr. Mendes’ songbook. Hampton and Leporace also update “Ye-Me-Le,” the title track from a 1969 recording.
With the right blend of today’s music sensibilities and a nod to the past, “Bom Tempo” is a very good time. I’ll be playing this one over and over, all summer.
Highest recommendation.
Speaking of summer music, here’s one of my favorites from k.d. lang. From 2000, and the album “Invincible Summer,” here’s “Summerfling.”
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