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      Mendes, the legendary Brazilian pianist and brainstorm behind the impeccable sound of Brasil ’66 and beyond, had taken a self-imposed, 10-year hiatus from record making; spending his “off-time” traveling with his band and working concerts internationally. One couldn’t possibly blame the man for wanting to take a “break” --after all, he had been recording for the past forty years; with thirty-four albums to show for it.

      Now, this unlikely union of classic Brazilian, bossa nova beats and urban, hip-hop and R&B soul has given birth to “Timeless,” Mendes’ latest CD. 

      “After making thirty-four albums I thought it was time to take a break. I didn’t realize it would be a long break like that,” says Mendes, via telephone from his home in Woodland Hills, California.

      Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Mendes has called California home for quite some time, but it doesn’t take close listening to hear the prominence of his native Portuguese language when he speaks.

      “I‘d had invitations to do albums and record again but, to tell you the truth, it was not really motivation for me to do it, musically speaking. It was nothing that I was really excited about, until I met Will.i.am.”

      Thanks mainly to Will.i.am who, as producer, suggested all of the American artists on the record; “Timeless” unites an impressive list of luminaries who, although performing to a style of music that may be new to them, manage to stay true to the genres they are best known for.  Mendes was admittedly surprised that Will had become familiar with his music at age 16 He was so impressed with the artist and their earlier collaboration on the Black Eyed Peas CD, “Elephunk,” he wanted to repeat and expand their union, and called Will.i.am soon after that project ended to suggest they work together on “Timeless.”

      Mendes reveals how the process of making the record began to unfold.

      “First, we selected a repertoire; the songs that both me and Will loved...we’re in the studio at The Record Plant one day, recording a track and Stevie Wonder is in the studio next door. He walks in, he listens to the music, loved the song...I knew him from many, many years ago and I asked him if he wanted to be part of the record. He said, ‘Are you kidding, of course!’ The next day [he] brings the harmonica and does a killer songwriting [session].”

      With that, the floodgates began to open and the creative juices went on overload. Mendez wrote the music for “Timeless,” and Will suggested it to India.Arie. 

      “Then she called back and wrote the beautiful lyric and sang on the song. It’s gorgeous...and as we began progressing...we’d cut like, this old song called “Let Me” that I recorded years ago and we redid it and Will, again, [said] ‘You know, this would be perfect for Jill Scott...and we cut another one and he said, ‘this would be perfect for Q-Tip’”. 

      Justin Timberlake, John Legend, Erykah Badu, who strikes some serious poses on the video from the record’s first single That Heat; Black Thought from The Roots, Chali 2na of Jurassic 5, the Black Eyed Peas and of course Will, who performs vocals on several numbers, join Costa Rican vocalist Debi Nova, Brazilian artists such as Gracinha Leporace and rapper Marcelo D2 and others who lend their incredible talents to the eclectic project.

      Asked if he recognizes any perceivable difference in working with today’s artists versus those from back in the day Mendes, who resides in Woodland Hills, California, responds…

      “I think it just has to do with the person you’re working with. Will was a very enthusiastic, exciting, intelligent musical person to work with so...Years ago I did an album with Cannonball Adderly--in the early 60’s, and I think the same joy I get working with him...it’s in a way similar to working with Will because everything is fresh, everything is new to me. It’s like two musicians getting together to create something fresh and different...not only generations [differences] but culturally different backgrounds. I grew up in Brazil and Will grew up in El Segundo. I mean, this is a guy from Rio de Janeiro and a guy from L.A. getting together through music, you know, which is a beautiful thing.”

Will.I.Am & Sergio Mendes

      “Timeless” was released on Valentine’s Day to mixed reviews. Seems some critics can’t fully appreciate the diverse blend of guest artists on the CD.

      Rolling Stone says, “When Timeless succeeds its beautiful, boundary-breaking music.”

      While E Online quips, “It’s a well-produced disc, but the cavalcade of stars and cartoonish beats make the songs sound more dated than the originals.”

      Prefix Magazine goes for the jugular with, “...Had this album been titled Will.i.am Remixes Sergio Mendes and Brings in a Bunch of Big Names to Distract You, the album would at least honestly reflect its content.”

      For the most part, WE think the project works. In fact, we won't be surprised if Timeless ends up being nominated for a Grammy next time out. If you haven't experienced the CD for yourself, you can check out the video and get more info HERE.           

      While at deadline he had only a few U. S. dates, audiences will get to judge the project for themselves when Mendes appears at the Hollywood Bowl on Sunday, June 25th to celebrate 40 years in music. In September he’ll come back to the states following his tour to Europe and Asia during the summer, to appear in Detroit, Michigan on September 2nd at the Annual Detroit International Jazz Festival. What do you call an artist who describes himself as “curious...interested in learning new things and meeting young people”? Timeless, in every sense.