Legendary pianist Sergio Mendes is still going strong at 79. Just after the release of his John Scheinfeld directed documentary (Songs in the Key of Joy), Sergio is releasing his 44th Studio album. In the Key of Joy is an adventurous album that features several collaborations. We caught up with the icon at his Los Angeles home and discussed his successful journey in the music business.
I had the opportunity to speak with John Scheinfeld a few weeks ago about this wonderful documentary. When you were approached to do it, what were your first thoughts? Any hesitation in putting your life on the big screen?
Yes, there was until I met with John personally, at my house in LA where we talked. I liked him. His sincerity, his approach to film, and I also saw the documentary that he did on Coltrane. We spent a lot of time together, and it was a wonderful experience working with him. He’s very musical, very sensitive, and he is definitely a new friend in my life. I didn’t see any interviews, I only saw the documentary when it was ready. That’s how much I trusted him. It truly was a wonderful experience. He did a great job.
I loved the serendipitous moments in your life that we got to see play out in this documentary. From the bone disease, you had as a child that led to you learning how to play the piano. Later, you would meet the love of your life, after losing your lead singer, who fell in love with the head of your label, Herb Alpert. Are you still surprised by the many successes that you have experienced over several eras in such a difficult business?
Of course, you always are. Like I said in the movie, I feel blessed to have had this great musical journey. My wife Gracinha, who took over for Lani; both were excellent singers. Along with Herb, we all just had lunch the other day. We’re all still good friends. It’s been a great ride for me. I’m very happy.
You mention Herb Alpert, in one scene he said that some artists just do it for the love of the art. Is that the space that you’re in after all of these years?
Absolutely, yes. Absolutely!
Photo Credit Megan Bueschel — with Herb Alpert and John Scheinfeld at Skirball Cultural Center.
Sabor do Rio with Common is incredible. It’s from The upcoming album In the Key of Joy that is out on February 28th. Some of the singles were pre-released on Itunes. What should we expect from this album?
It was a wonderful experience working with Common and newcomers such as Buddy. There’s also another version of Never Gonna Let You Go. My wife is on this as well. There were many Brazilian writers on this album and we had a lot of fun. We worked for two years on this album and I’m very happy with the results. Some of the songs I kept in Portuguese because they sound better in Portuguese. Like Mas Que Nada, I can never see myself doing it in English. This was a great experience that I’m happy to share.
Sergio kicks off his world tour on March 11thth in Los Angeles at L.A. Live. He will be at Sony Hall in New York City on April 24th. Tickets and all things Sergio can be purchased https://sergiomendesmusic.com/
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