Describe the Encanto(Enchantmant) and its many flavors.
Well Encanto in Portugese means Enchantment. It’s about the celebration of Brazillian music. Lots of classic songs. Guest from mostly Brazil but also International artist from places like France, Italy, and the United States. It really is the celebration of diversity.
Back to Rio for the record which is my hometown. Also recorded in Bahia. The aim was to just capture the diversity the Brazillian music has to offer.
Encanto as well as Timeless has such an eclectic ensemble of artist. What is the process like when casting the singers and musicians for an album.
First we select which songs we would like to record and then we create the arrangements. Next wee invite the artist from around the world to sing over the tracks we feel are suitable and appropriate for each artist. Fortunately for us on Encanto every artist we sent an invitation excepted.
Encanto is quite global with artists from every end of the globe.
I am a fan of all the people we invite to record. I have learned about these artists and different artist around the world throughout my travels and career.
Would you say this album is back to your roots?
Yes. All the tracks were recorded in Brazil. Vocals were recorded in different parts of the world. This was an opportunity to capture the different flavors of Brazilian music.
How is it working with Will.i.am? The Black Eyed Peas in general?
He is a friend. We first met when he asked me to play for a few tracks on Elephunk, again when I invited him to do Timeless and He has done 4 songs on Encanto. He is a great musician and he brings a lot of creativity to the table. He is a good partner. Fergie who sang on Mas Que Nada has an amazing voice and is a fantastic artist.
“Mas Que Nada”, we all know the 2006 remake was a huge international hit. Did the success of it inspire the re-make of “The Look of Love”?
Absolutely. Mas Que Nada was a big hit in 1966 and for it to do as well as it did, The Look of Love was my big hit in 1968 so I was really inspired to re-release it and give it a contemporary flare as well.
Is there any remake or collaboration you’ve done that absolutely gave you chill bumps?
Mas Que Nada was wonderful. And I have extremely high hopes for The Look of Love.
Bossa Nova 1960’s, Bossa Nova 2008. What are you thoughts on its evolution?
Bossa Nova 1960’s was a wonderful period for Brazilian music. Lots of great things, some of the best things, classic things came from that era. I enjoy re-making those classics and bringing them into this era.
Do you spend much time in Brazil?
Twice a year I go. I have lots of friends and family living there.
For someone that has never been, is there a song or maybe even a few that truelly captures the heartbeat of Brazil?
It’s funny you should ask me that, I was originally going to call this album heartbeat. I guess I can save that title for the next album. But this album simply captures the musical diversity, flavors, rhythms, and sounds that Brazil has to offer.
Where are you now?
Los Angeles. I live here. I adore Thailand and hope to come there very soon.
