The title speaks for itself. Encanto, which means charm in English, perfectly describes the latest 14-track album from the bossa nova master Sergio Mendes.
Even though Mendes established his career in the 1960s, he's yet to weary of his fusion of Afro-American jazz and Brazilian samba. Two years ago he achieved a career peak with Timeless, working with will.i.am to produce a delightful cocktail of jazz, hip hop, salsa and bossa nova.
Mendes lured more big names to work on his latest musical infusion. American Grammy-winning singers Natalie Cole and Siedah Garrett and Italian rapper Jovanotti all deliver brilliant performances.
Don't be put off by opener The Look of Love, a mediocre hip hop piece. The album soon shifts to the melodic and exotic Funky Bahia, with better to follow. Dreamer is a definite stand-out, featuring brilliant trumpeting by the great Herb Alpert. Mendes clearly still shines.