Sergio Mendes on why Brazilian music endures

“This is bom tempo music, good times music.”

Groove to the beat of his latest album Bom Tempo, to be released soon by MCA Music, and you will know what Sergio Mendes is talking about.

Mendes — producer, composer, arranger, pianist, band leader and cultural sage — continues his magical ride with Bom Tempo which is described as “a beautiful slice of rhythmically fresh inspiration.”

It’s true: Mendes has remained as vibrant and vital today as he was in the ‘60s when he was leading Brasil ‘66 to international superstardom. According to the notes on the album: “Mendes’ modern sensibilities and ultra sensitivity to the intricate and beautiful Brazilian musical language he himself helped create has always been his focus. Bom Tempo expends the maestro’s use of color, texture and street-derived energy, highlighting his mastery of authentic Brazilian rhythms and composition. In the end, Bom Tempo is a brilliant summer-day celebration.”

Here’s Mendes in an exclusive phone interview further expounding not only on his latest album but on his enduring musical legacy as well.

The last time I talked to you was in Manila a few years ago when you did a concert at the Araneta Coliseum.

“Yeah, I remember. I’ve been to the Philippines many times.”

Oh, the Philippines must seem like a second home to you, right?

“That’s right. The Philippines is very much like Brazil where I come from.”

Have you listened to Filipino music?

“I have and I like it very much. I mean, I don’t get a chance to stay there longer but when I am in the Philippines I love to hear Filipino music.”

How do you think is it similar to your kind of music?

“Very similar. Brazilians and Filipinos have one thing in common. Like Brazilians, Filipinos are very romantic.”

Your album Bom Tempo is described as “A Celebration of Life.” Is it some kind of a summing-up of your decades in the business?

“Well, Bom Tempo means good times and good weather, so it’s about good times in music as well. Besides, Bom Tempo is a good title. It’s easy to pronounce, easy to remember. Those are very positive words. Basically, the album represents great Brazilian songs, most of them uptempo...very nice to sing and listen to. Young people will easily like them. Brazilian music does not only have a romantic aspect but also the rhythmical aspect. You know, the carnival for us is the biggest thing; it’s celebrated for two weeks and Brazilian music is very much a part of it.”

Brasil ‘66 came into the scene more than 40 years ago. Do you think a group like that will fit into the music scene today with so many music genres, hip-hop among them?

“Brasil ‘66 was my band in 1966. Now, it’s the Sergio Mendes 2010. But we also play songs from that period; we still play One-Note Samba, Like a Lover and many others. Same type of music but by a totally different band. We can go back and play those great songs because that’s what it’s all about.”

It’s obvious, of course. But what do you think makes your music prevail through the years?

“Oh, I’m very curious and I love to learn new things. For me, when I play a song, I like to do different rhythmic interpretations of the song. Like on this new album, you have Ye-Me-Le, a Brazilian classic with a cool rap performed by new band member H20, and a remake of Magalenha (from the Grammy-winning Brasileiro album) that features great steel guitar, rap and body percussion contributions from Carlinhos Brown. The songs sound like 2010. What I’m trying to say is, I like to associate with young people. I have two young children, one is 23 and the other is 16, so maybe that’s what keeps me going. And my wife, Gracinha Leporace, is a great singer. She sings all over this album. Our music is happy music and maybe that’s why people like it. So I’m very happy that it continues to be popular.”

Good thing that you are in touch with the younger generation.

“I’m very interested in what they are thinking about because, you know, it’s new energy. When I talk to my kids they always have something that I didn’t know about. So keeping in touch is important to keep me current.”

Do you listen to the music of today?

“You know, sometimes I do but not all the time. I listen to the radio and I don’t like most of the stuff that I listen to. Most of the things that I hear on pop radio I don’t like. They don’t sound appealing to me. So that’s why I go back to Brazilian songs and Brazilian repertoire because it’s much more exciting, much more fresh than what I hear on pop radio which I think is very boring.”

With all the songs that you’ve done through the years, why did you choose the ones included in Bom Tempo?

“Those are the songs that came to my mind. I love those songs. There’s one ballad called Caminos Cruzados that my wife sings and it’s beautiful. There’s also The Real Thing, the song that Stevie Wonder wrote for me in 1977. That’s the only non-Brazilian song on the album. That song has a very special meaning for me so I decided to do it again.”

And how did you select the artists on the album?

“Oh, they are all special to me. Carlinhos Brown (Magalenha and Emorio with Nayanna Holley) is one of my favorite composers in Brazil. Seu Jorge (Maracatu Atomico) is an upcoming young singer...fantastic! Milton Nascimento (Caxanga) is one of my old friends, one of the biggest Brazilian songwriters. I’m very happy with this album that’s why I called it Bom Tempo.”

Of course, there’s no stopping you. I’m sure you will go on making beautiful music for as long as you can.

“Well, I hope so. I feel great and I have a great band. I hope we’ll come to the Philippines again soon.”

When not working, how do you spend your time?

“These past years I’ve been working so much. This album took me a long time to finish. Now I go on the road. But when I’m not working, I love to spend time with my family and my friends, and listen to Brazilian music.”

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