A common thread runs through the incredibly diverse tapestry of music that producer, composer, keyboardist, and vocalist Sergio Mendes has created over his remarkable six-decade career: the spirit of joy.
From his pioneering contributions to the foundations of bossa nova alongside names like Antonio Carlos Jobim, through the era-defining latin-pop sound of his iconic group Brasil ’66; his sparkling collaborations with jazz legends like Cannonball Addereley and Herbie Mann to his adult contemporary smash hit at the top of the charts “Never Gonna Let You Go;” moving on to his reinvention in the 21st century with the Black-Eyed Peas and John Legend or his Oscar-nominated theme song from the animated hit Rio: a contagious spirit of joy 
permeates everything Mendes has brought to listeners’ ears.
The legendary Brazilian’s new album is no exception. In “In the Key of Joy,” from Concord Records, Mendes looks back in the only way he knows – moving forward once again. Released to coincide with a spectacular new documentary about his life directed by acclaimed filmmaker John Scheinfeld (Chasing Trane, Who Is Harry Nilsson?), In the Key of Joy blends the classic Brazilian, jazz, and pop sounds that have long characterized Mendes’ music with surprisingly contemporary inspirations that make the album sound both completely timeless and entirely current.
As he has done throughout his musical life, Mendes thrives on collaboration in In the Key of Joy. The album brings together Brazilian legends with modern hitmakers and rising young stars, bringing familiar voices and new life to a set of original new songs composed by Mendes and his collaborators. Guests on the album include Common, Hermeto Pascoal, Joe Pizzulo, Cali y El Dandee, Buddy, Sugar Joans, João Donato, Sheléa, and Mendes’ long-time wife and singer Gracinha Leporace.
“This album is all about joy and celebration,” says Mendes. “I am very curious, and I love working with different people from 
different cultures, different countries, different generations, and different styles.”
To accompany the wide-angle perspective of the documentary on Mendes’ vast history, the Deluxe Edition of In the Key of Joy includes the film’s soundtrack, a comprehensive overview of his career that encompasses the greatest moments of Mendes’ musical life. From the unforgettable classic of Brasil ’66 “Mas Que Nada” to Burt Bacharach’s “The Look of Love,” which Mendes memorably performed at the 1968 Oscar broadcast; collaborations with will.i.am and the stunning and soulful “Never Gonna Let You Go,” the album offers an essential manual on Mendes’ ability to imprint his indelible mark across multiple styles of music over the decades.
Though he has never been interested in living in the past, the experience of making the documentary and the 60th anniversary of 
bossa nova gave Mendes an excuse to look back and absorb the extent of his achievements. “I have been very blessed to have had such a long career,” he says sincerely. “There is a word in English that I love and use a lot, which is ‘serendipity’. I have been fortunate to have so many wonderful encounters in my life.”
In the Key of Joy provided the opportunity for new encounters, as well as reuniting with old friends. The album was recorded between Mendes’ native Brazil and his adopted home in California, yet another way he unites past and present in an eclectic harmony. “There are some sounds you can only get in Brazil, that incredible energy, that massive rhythmic wave you hear underneath everything,” he says. “Then, I have all my wonderful partners and amazing musicians in Los Angeles, along with all my special guests. It’s the best of both worlds.”
The undulating Brazilian pop of “Sabor Do Rio” opens the album with Mendes’ instantly recognizable sound, the exuberant sunny fusion of voices and horns harkening back to Brasil ’66 while Common’s welcoming rap invites contemporary listeners. Like much of the album, the song was co-written by Mendes with producer and multi-instrumentalist Mika Mutti and horn arranger Scott Mayo. The propulsive dance floor pulse of “Bora Lá” provides an upbeat backdrop for the vocal duo of Brazilian samba star Rogê and Mendes’ muse, Gracinha Leporace.
“It’s magical,” Mendes says about working closely with his wife. “I feel so lucky to have her in my life – and besides that, what an incredible voice.”
The Colombian pop duo of brothers Cali y El Dandee takes the spotlight on the sensual “La Noche Entera,” co-written by the pair along with Mendes and the great Brazilian musician/producer Carlinhos Brown. The angelic vocals of former The Voice contestant Sugar Joans fittingly adorn “Samba In Heaven”; the singer is a second-generation collaborator with Mendes, her father being Joe Pizzulo, who so memorably sang the lead on “Never Gonna Let You Go.” Pizzulo himself reunites with Mendes on “Love Came Between Us,” which evokes the silky sound of that classic hit.
Bossa pianist João Donato co-wrote and performs on the percolating “Muganga.” In the liner notes, Mendes refers to Donato as one of his “Three Magi,” along with Hermeto Pascoal and Guinga. The former contributes the festive atmosphere of “This Is It (É Isso),” also performing an emphatic rap in Portuguese. Guinga, in turn, composed and plays guitar on the album’s hypnotic final cut, “Tangara,” which evokes images of sun-dappled beaches and vibrant forests echoing with birdsong.
The upbeat title track features rising Compton rapper Buddy, who also recently worked with keyboardist Robert Glasper. Singer-songwriter Sheléa nimbly dances around Chico Brown’s acoustic guitar lines on “Catch the Wave” and takes a painfully yearning turn on the ballad “Times Goes By.” Mutti composed the delightfully cheerful “Romance in Copacabana,” with its whistled melody and a showcase for the bandleader’s agile jazz piano skills.
Revealing Mendes’ inability to stand still as music evolved, In the Key of Joy is impressive for the breadth and beauty of its spectrum of styles and collaborations. “I like to step out of my comfort zone and try things I’ve never done before,” Mendes concludes. “I feel a great excitement when I go into the studio with different people and discover what happens. That’s what I do. I love the musical adventure I’ve been on for over 60 years.”
Exclusive signed bundles and other special merchandise to celebrate the album In the Key of Joy available at the online store: https://found.ee/SergioMendesStore
In the Key Of Joy is available for pre-order: https://found.ee/SM_InTheKeyOfJoy