A maternal, musical, heavenly smile

To those who knew her, it will come as no surprise that my mother was my first exposure to knowing someone who appreciated popular music with a passion, and would constantly seek out new artists and music she would hope to discover was to her liking. Back in the mid-’60s, she would come back from trips abroad bringing albums of the then newly-discovered Beatles.

Soon after that, it was on her turntable that I would first hear the strains of Antonio Carlos Jobim and Astrud Gilberto. The first inkling I had of a Sergio Mendes even existing (this would be in the ’70s) is thanks to her. While our tastes would diverge more often than not, it was on her CD player in the early ’90s that I first became aware of Andrea Bocelli. So with these new releases of Mendes and Bocelli, as I listened to them, I couldn’t help feeling she was smiling up there (she passed away 10 years ago).

Timeless – Sergio Mendes (MCA):

A recent visitor to Manila, Sergio Mendes clocks in (yes, pun intended) with this Timeless CD as his manifesto that his music can defy the test of time and be as relevant today as he was back in the ’70s. To achieve this, he collaborates with Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas. I say collaborate with my eyebrows raised, as to a point, Mendes seems to practically "surrender" his music to Mr. Will. From the very first track of Mas Que Nada, we are whisked to a world where the Mendes music is utilized as a basic track and Will’s rap/hip-hop influence becomes the overlay which directs the music and leaves the lasting impression.

This is prescience on Mendes’ part, as the music is transformed into something very contemporary, very "now" without completely losing all identity. Even when R n B luminaries such as John Legend and India Arie are brought on board to replicate the experiment, the fundamental feel of the music gives the Mendes sound something distinctly urban and appealing for the younger audience.

I can’t say for certain if my Mom would have played purist and derided the manner in which Mendes’ music is stretched and bent. But if she would have gone along for the ride, I’m certain my own boys would have been delirious. They love the Peas and would have thought it "cool" that their `Nona’ enjoyed them as well, even only if by "channeling" Sergio Mendes. There’s a raw vivacity that gives the music on Timeless its catch.

Amore – Andrea Bocelli (MCA):

Andrea Bocelli will always mean light classical to my ears. While highbrow music critics will always say the quality and timbre of his singing pales in comparison to established opera stars like Luciano Pavarotti, Jose Carreras and Placido Domingo, one cannot deny Bocelli’s popularity. The album, produced by David Foster, makes the simple premise of pairing the most beautiful love songs of the world with the most romantic voice in recording. The result is this CD, Amore. Taking standard love songs orignally recorded in Spanish, Italian and French, Bocelli imbues the songs with his special magical touch.

Aiding him in achieving these are an array of guests whot personally had me thinking "overkill." But with Foster at the helm, should I have expected anything less? Christina Aguilera, instrumentalists Kenny G. and his saxophone, trumpeter Chris Botti, flamenco guitarist Mario Reyes, guitarist Dean Parks – the list just goes on and on. Stevie Wonder checks in for Canzone Stonate and does great fills with his harmonica playing. It’s just that at the end of the song, Bocelli opts to sing a line or two in Americanized Italian and I felt he should just have stuck to the mouth-harp.

For those who already are Bocelli converts, the CD will come as a welcome addition to their collection. For those who really wanted to be introduced to Bocelli the artist, I still think earlier albums like Romanza and Sacred Arias are better showcases of the talent he has in spades. Amore is a tad too full of what really are pop songs at heart and don’t really challenge him.