1962, and a story right out of Bossa Nova’s earliest days in America. Planning had begun for its international coronation: an all-star event on stage at Carnegie Hall. Back in Rio – meetings, auditions and deal making to determine who would make the trip north. A young pianist from across the bay in Nitori was invited, so he made his pitch: “I’ll play, but only if I can go first or last.” First was out of the question, but that was just fine with Sergio Mendes.

Mendes returned to stay in 1964, and after two so-so recordings in the Bossa/Jazz style he had brought with him from Rio, he met Herb Alpert and took his first steps towards four decades of pop stardom. Simply put, Sergio Mendes has coattails. From Miami to LA. Sea to shining sea. Texas? Yep. Alaska? You betcha. Even in New Jersey and Virginia.

Every song in this week’s show  (with the exception of our new music offerings from Patricia Talem, Ithamara Koorax, Ed Johnson & Novo Tempo and Bebel Gilberto) includes at least one former band member, songwriter, musical director, arranger or special guest affiliated with Sergio Mendes at some point in his career. With an RSVP list that reads like a musical ‘who’s who’ for the hemisphere, this is a not-to-be-missed occasion, with several surprises in store.

Don’t miss it! This show will be available 24/7 from Saturday afternoon and all next week on The Sounds of Brazil webcast channel.

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It may be Friday the 13^th, but it can be a lucky day for you if you’re registered to win tickets to see Bebel Gilberto during her US tour. If not, sign up now by clicking here. Then listen for your name on The Sounds of Brazil ‘Extended’ Channel. And if you can’t always listen, follow us on Twitter to receive our daily instant winner updates. Good luck!  (Oh look! A black cat!)

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Here’s an invitation for a musical vacation in Brazil next February, from famed pianist Jovino Santos Neto. He writes:

Hello folks,

Please visit the link below for information on a fantastic music and capoeira Camp being offered in Ubatuba, a paradise spot on the coast between Rio and São Paulo from February 22 to 28, 2010. The legendary Hermeto Pascoal will be there, and I will be co-teaching a Creative Universal music workshop along with him. Reservations made before December 15 will earn a special discount…Definitely a one in a lifetime experience…

Obrigado,

Jovino

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We note the passing of

Mr. de Souza, nicknamed Neguinho do Samba (Little Black Samba Master), was also known for creating the samba reggae, a rhythm that blended the Olodum percussion with Jamaican reggae.

According to Débora de Souza, one of his daughters, when Paul Simon first heard the new style, he hired the band to play with him on the album “Rhythm of the Saints” in 1990 and Mr. de Souza to perform with him in Central Park the next year. Delighted with the result, Mr. Simon offered to give Mr. Souza an expensive car. But Mr. de Souza asked Mr. Simon instead to give him the money to buy an old building where he wanted to install his new band, Didá, and develop an educational program for children and women.

Mr. Simon agreed. Mr. de Souza had lived since 1993 in that building, where he took poor children and women from the streets and gave them classes in singing, dancing and theater.

Mr. de Souza also participated in the video for Mr. Jackson’s song “They Don’t Care About Us,” directed by Spike Lee, in 1996. Mr. Souza’s funeral procession, on Nov. 3, was followed by 4,000 people dancing and singing his songs.

My Brazilian music ‘Pick of The Day’

An all-star effort from Sergio Mendes — one that follows nicely on the comeback energy of his previous Timeless set! Like that one, this album has Mendes dipping heavily into contemporary soul modes — picking up a bit of R&B, bits of hip hop, and bits of a few other styles — then folding them back into music from his Brazilian roots! The blend is almost a 21st Century update of the mix of soul and bossa that Sergio forged in the 70s after his initial Brasil 66 work on these shorts — and the balance struck here is surprisingly strong — possibly even better than the sound of Timeless. Guests include Will I Am, Siedah Garrett, Ledisi, Carlinhos Brown, Vanessa Da Mata, Gracinha Leporace, Natalie Cole, and Lani Hall — and titles include “Catavento”, “Morning In Rio”, “The Look Of Love”, “Dreamer”, “Lugar Comum”, “Odo-Ya”, “Waters Of March”, and “Funky Bahia”.

Take some time this weekend to explore this album. I think you’ll be glad you did.

See you Monday!