Sergio Mendes generally plays large arenas, such as the Hollywood Bowl, but he’ll make a rare smaller venue appearance at Yoshi’s in Oakland on November 4 and 5.

Sergio Mendes: Still Vibrant at 75!

by Gary G. Vercelli

Sergio Mendes is arguably the most influential Brazilian musician of our time. Mendes brought the distinctive rhythms of Rio to our shores in the 1960’s and blended them with American pop to produce massive hits including “The Look of Love,” “Fool On the Hill,” and “Scarborough Fair.” Mendes’ signature mix of bossa nova and samba combined with pop sensibilities and the distinctive vocal harmonies of his band Brazil ‘66, to create melodies alluring to audiences throughout the world. His recording of “Mas Que Nada” marked the first time a song sung entirely in Portuguese hit Billboard’s pop chart.

Never one to rest on his laurels, Mendes continues to record and tour.  He has found his fountain of youth by surrounding himself with young talent, including guest vocalists John Legend, Ana Carolina, Milton Nascimento, and his wife Gracinha Leporace. On his latest album “Magic,” Sergio explores “Sou Eu” (It’s Me), a lively song written by the late legendary Brazilian pianist Moacir Santos. Guest vocalist Seu Jorge shows why he is considered one of the most in-demand talents in contemporary Brazilian music. His deep, resonant voice is alive with passion and charismatic flair.

Although Mendes has recorded more than thirty-five albums and has taken home three Grammy Awards, he continues to search for new dimension in music, even incorporating hip-hop sensibilities in some of his material.